What does Jimmie's old Army blanket represent to Ayah in the novel, Lullaby?

Jimmie's Army blanket comes to symbolize a great many things throughout the story. In the opening scene, this blanket is the sorrow of Ayah's loss and grief for children. Her connection to them is forever severed due to Jimmie's death and the removal of Danny and Ella by white social workers. Thus, the blanket is a constant reminder of her loss and how she never has grandchildren to pass on the Navajo traditions. Jimmie's blanket is also a symbol of enduring love; motherly love for a son she no longer can physically touch or hold.