Craftsmanship

Recently, I read these expressive words
written on a sign in Olde English:

You are the Poem I dreamed of writing...
the Masterpiece I longed to paint.
You are the Shining Star I reached for
in my ever Hopeful Quest for life fulfilled.
Now, with all thanks ~ I am blessed.

Frequently, in correspondence from my son,he writes of his activities and thoughts: Could be humour, inspiration, or a daily thought. Recently, he wrote this tale about a woman's inspiration.

“There once was a man and a woman who had been married for more than 60 years.
They talked about everything.~ they kept no secrets from each other ...
except that the old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet
that she cautioned her husband never to open it...or ask her about it.

For all these years, he had never thought about the box...
but one day the little old woman got very sick
and the doctor said she would never recover.
In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box
and took it to his wife's bedside.
She agreed it was time that he should know what was in the box.
When he opened it, he found 2 beautifully crocheted doilies
and a stack of money totally over $25,000.

Asking her about the unusual contents ~ she replied:

When we were married, my grandmother told me the secret
of a happy marriage was to never argue.
She told me, that if I ever got angry with you...
I should just keep quiet...and crochet a doilie.

The little old man was so moved, he had to fight back tears.
Only 2 precious doilies were in the box.
She had only been angry with him 2 times in all those years
of living and loving. He almost burst with joy and happiness.

Sweetheart, he said, that explains the doilies...
but what about this money? Where did it all come from?

Oh, she said, that's the money I made from selling the doilies.”

To my son, I replied:

“That's a beautiful story...full of spirit and ingenuity.

I recall, it was years ago when living in a new home in Brant Hills, a neighbour, Shirley, became a long-time personal friend. We both had children, so on many days watching our children at play, we decided to learn how to crochet. With a direction book in front of us...we learned a few stitches.
Starting making squares, according to our booklets...we quickly graduated to making place mats for our tables. Ambitious we were when able to crochet hats with wide brims which we proudly wore. Then, it was vests we skilfully made. To each of us, our greatest creation were dresses (knee length). Shirley proudly wore her dress of ivory...and I my dress with a white bodice and sky blue skirt.
What a thrill it was to accomplish this feat!

Crafts are challenges...however the result and end product..
offering great interest in developing one's ability.

Written by MBK...May 16, 2020
To respond: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca