DEAR SUN SPOTS: Calling all knitters! Andwell Health Partners is seeking donations of shawls and lap blankets for our Peaceful Passage Program.

We ask that the shawls be approximately 46-56 inches long and at least 30-34 inches wide so a patient can completely and comfortably wrap it around their shoulders.

Please consider using soft yarn for the comfort of our patients. We also ask that after you complete a shawl that you please place it in the dryer on high for at least 30 minutes then place it in a sealable bag. This is requested by our occupational health nurse.

Shawls can be dropped off at our 15 Strawberry Ave. office in Lewiston. Please be sure to include a note with your name and address with the shawls (not sewn on) so we can acknowledge your donation. — No name, no town

ANSWER: I’ve made many shawls in my lifetime and have found that the Prayer Shawl instructions (https://www.shawlministry.com/instructions.html) work well and it’s so easy to do, whether the shawls are knit or crocheted. I use Lion Brand Wool-ease yarn which comes in so many gorgeous color combinations and is soft and washable. The shawls and lap robes come out beautifully and wear well.

Andwell Health Partners (https://andwell.org/) is an organization about living, dedicated to enhancing quality of life by providing innovative, compassionate health care for all. This nonprofit, formerly Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice) is the largest, independent, nonprofit home and community-based healthcare and care management organization in the state. The team compassionately serves patients from infancy to advanced age in all sixteen Maine counties as a primary homecare provider.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Here are the words to the beautiful song for mothers, “Coeur de Maman”, requested in the July 25 Sun Spots. I’m sure you’ll hear from many other readers.

Coeur de Maman: Coeur de maman, je chante pour toi que j’aime, Coeur de maman , tu est la bonte meme, Tu as souffert de cruels emois, Je t’ai  fait mal, je  t’ai  rempli  d’effroi. Bonne  maman, chasse bien ces tristesses .

Vielle  maman  aux  cheveux  blanc , Votre coeur a connu des tourments;

Nous chantons pour vous avec amour,  ce coeur qui vous aime toujours.

Chere maman , je voudrais que ma chanson, Soit une priere qui puisse vous consoler.

Bonne  maman , je voudrais que ces simples mots, Soient  un baume  a  votre coeur dechire. — Irene, Auburn

ANSWER: I had a feeling I would be hearing from you on this one, Irene! Thank you for answering the request and for being such a devoted reader.

I believe there are more verses to this song so please share those if you know them and if anyone wants to give us the English translation, that would be wonderful, too!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.