The Story Behind the Scarves...

There is an immense Energy that surrounds Sunshine Scarves; perhaps the story behind the company is as unique as the scarves themselves. It was the summer of 2001, when my 5-year-old daughter, Sunshine, and my 4-year-old son, Jory, were vacationing at our family cabin in Wyoming. Both kids were out on the front porch arguing over who would sweep it for their grandmother. Sunshine and Jory moved from an argument into a tussle over the broom. Somehow the broom broke apart and a piece of it flew directly into Sunshine’s left eye-rupturing the globe. Twelve surgeries later, a beautiful young child is left with a marred useless eye that’s blind.

A senseless tragedy...for no apparent reason.

At least in those first few years’ life’s purpose was left uncovered. I was forced to watch Sunshine suffer through every surgery, endless doctor visits, transplants, and constant eye infections. Forced to wonder, to question and search for the reasons why. What was it all for and why? That word never ceased to invade my thoughts, echo my laughter and stare back at me each time I looked into my daughter’s eyes.

In December of 2002, the kids and I moved. Christmas was coming, money was tight and I decided to make presents for family and friends. It just so happened that my nephew, Miller, asked if I would make him a scarf. I purchased 4 balls of incredibly soft and colorful yarn, sat down on an unpacked box of dishes and in the midst of chaos, I created a pattern for a scarf. I called Sunshine over and wrapped the scarf around her neck. It was adorable, lovely, and sweet and I knew it was perfect when she refused to take it off.  Instead of unpacking, I began making scarves. I decided to name the business after my daughter and donate 50% of the profit to a children’s charity. It was at this point, The Sunshine Foundation for Prosthetic Eye Care was born, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to families of young children in need of a prosthetic eye.

Everything in life has a purpose. Life has its own time frame; it doesn’t rush in with all the answers every time we ask the questions. Life is patient and waits for the right moment when the “why’s” are finally answered and then unfolds the reason behind what once seemed a senseless tragedy. Life sheds light upon our true path if we pay attention and let our heart and soul guide us.

- Joy