l sat on the porch and sewed up a hole in my daughter’s sweater today. It’s January, for crying out loud!  I am one who actually loves snow, and I feel anxious about winter not lasting past December. For whatever reason , I psychologically need a full four seasons each year. 

However, it did feel lovely to sit on the porch and sew. It reminded me of my parents and what they taught me. I don’t have great skills at many handy homemaking tasks, but they taught me the basics, enough to be able to figure things out for myself much of the time. 

For that, I am so very grateful. My parents and family were far from perfect, but I did know I was loved, and both mom and dad valued learning and taught me a little about a lot of things. 

Dad taught me to check all my fluids in my car and how to take your time while winding up a long extension cord after working in the yard. Mom taught me how to sew on a button and mend a hole, as well as basic medical knowledge. They taught me how to think through things logically and what to do in a crisis. 

Life was simpler then, and sitting on the porch in my rocker, sewing, reminded me of it all, and I remembered my growing up years with joy.