i started to cry she goes, stop it, you're going to make me cry >> reporter: inside the knitting bag bettina also found mittens, which she finished too, adding a heart. >> for me what it symbolized was this is mom with you and that she would always remember that mom has her hand >> reporter: as for the sweater, ethan is already wearing great grandma's final gift the yarn binding together strangers for life >> i didn't know bettina. but she's a special person in my heart forever. >> reporter: joe fryer, nbc news. >> what a beautiful gesture. that's "nightly news" for this monday. thank you for watching, everyone i'm lester holt. please take care of yourself and each other. good night