Towels

If you find me using an old stained towel that my mother heat transfered and embroidered, it is not my age or my finances. My momma embraced that towel, touched the needle that pull after pull put her monogram. I'm holding her.

I thought old people, old people smells, old people teeth, hoarded things because of money or mobility, but we've had the pricey. Now, we know the best.

Did I ever teach you to hang laundry?

I'm missing you today as I do most days. You are back in Baltimore and I'm still in FL.

Today in my constant attempt to save money, I spent more time picking navy blue rug dirt off my white bra top than the cost of waterXpowerXlaundry soap. Then I "Clorox Cleanered" it with a recycled bottle, more money saved? Soaked and spotted, I abandoned it on the glider all for the want of a wash.

When I retrieved it the following day, sun kissed and wind hugged it carried the simple fresh smell of your childhood in Lacombe. I wondered, "Did I teach you to line hang laundry?" Fold the collar; two spring pins to secure? Hang a line, practice being a child.

from Gretchen 7/19/09
The more comfortable I become with myself the more I realize that I am becoming more like you.

I love you Mom.