The Art of Mending, Darning and Patching
Riding home on the bus yesterday I noticed a woman who was wearing a pair of insulated over-alls. What struck me was that in at least eight places, they had been carefully and very neatly patched. It was clear that she, or whoever had done this handiwork, had taken their time and done it with great mindfulness.
I tried to remember the last time I, or anyone I know for that matter, had patched something. Darning socks used to be a regular occurrance in our house when I was growing up. Now it's a lost art. Even sewing on buttons seems to be a burden for some people, who would rather just buy new. What a disposable society we have become.
I wanted to say something to the woman on the bus last night. I wanted to say how happy her patches made me feel, or I wanted to thank her for taking the time to do it, or some such. Instead I kept my mouth shut, aware that anything I said would have sounded condescending and ridiculous. However I have a pair of green leather gloves that are badly in need of some attention, and tonight I will dig out needle and thread and get to work. Thank you bus lady.
7:08:07 AM 
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