Material objects can become old friends.
I have a few fairly intense attachments. One is to my books, destined for the landfill upon my demise I am sure, but during my time here on earth they will be cherished.
Other items were given to me as gifts. The photo album my Granny kept, one for me, one for my sister. This is precious beyond words. I also treasure photographs of my ancestors, my childhood, my children when they were growing up, and of my grandchildren. Memories all. As well, I have a towel with has a tatted border, made by my Mom, a blanket she made for my first born child, a quilt she made for me. I also have a Centennial Quilt my Granny hand stitched and gave to me when my first daughter was born.
I keep post cards from friends who have departed from this world. A few love letters, the last Christmas card my Granny sent me before she passed away, lots of little objects that only have meaning for me.
I keep all these things close, although they serve no practical physical function, my soul rests with them.
Other items are more functional, such as pieces of clothing that I come to favour. Which is what inspires this little scribble.
I don’t even remember when I bought my current favourite pair of summer trousers, they would be somewhere between 20 and 30 years old. They are a pair jean shorts, wide in the leg, fitting loosely, and oh so comfortable. They are not stylish, not particularly flattering, and I love them.
A few years ago the cotton lining on the waistband disintegrated. This caused no change in function, and no discomfort, so I ignored it. Sadly, yesterday, as I pulled them up over my knees as I was dressing in the morning, my fingers went through the fabric at the front of the pants. They are torn, visibly torn.
I might attempt a repair, so that I can wash and wear them while puttering around the house. Even if they are repaired, the fabric is so thin that it won’t be long before another tear appears, and another, and another after that. Their days of public appearance are over, and I think their companionship in private will be short lived.
Last summer I had to say goodbye to my favourite top, a linen blouse. Linen is wonderful to wear, but it has a relatively short life span.
It is always difficult to say goodbye to old friends.
Eventually I will develop an attachment to a new pair of trousers. Today I have my eye on a much newer pair, purchased over 20 years ago, I remember buying this pair. At that time clothing made in Canada was not artisanal, and I could afford a pair of 100% cotton pants that were made in my own country.
Worldly
Weather
Mostly Cloudy
21°C
Date: 10:00 AM EDT Saturday 19 July 2025
Condition: Mostly Cloudy
Pressure:101.8 kPa
Tendency:Falling
Temperature: 21.0°C
Dew point: 16.4°C
Humidity: 75%
Wind: SE 9 km/h
Humidex: 26
Visibility: 24 km
Quote
“Don’t ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up.”
G. K. Chesterton
1874 – 1936
And even then…
Maggie, I hear you. My DH just had a multi-day project repairing and re-attaching the soles to a well-loved pair of my Teva leather sandals. I can’t find anything resembling them anywhere, for any price, and it will be a sad day when they’re gone.
Wendy, may the repairs last until another pair comes into view!
I feel the same way about my parka, I keep looking for something of equal quality, and even at $2000.00, there is nothing comparable.
I’m a very casual person and pretty much wear clothes until they fall apart. I also have a few things from my late parents that I treasure. I have a couple of voice recordings of my Mom. I wish I had a recording of my Dad.
Sandy, I am the same as you in regards to clothing. What treasures those recordings are! My cousin recorded my Grandpa describing the family cow, what a treasure that is, to hear his voice.
I know exactly what you mean about attachments to things. My favorite things are my grandmother’s home-sewn apron and a quilt made for me by my great-grandmother when I was a child. The quilt blocks are from my childhood dresses, dresses of my mom and grandmother, and even a few blocks from my grandfather’s pajamas.
And there is a hoodie I’d love to replace. It’s from Land’s End and is more than 20 years old. Unfortunately, they don’t make that basic style anymore, so after a year I’m still looking for a new one.
Teri, your keepsakes sound wonderful, the quilt is such a loving thing to have in your life.
I can also relate to your hoodie experience. I have a fleece jacket purchased around 25 years ago, I love it. I call it my “pop bottle jacket”, because it is made from synthetic material. I love the fit, the weight of the fabric, everything about it. It is no longer fit for public appearance, the elbows are thin and shiny, the tips of the collar are worn through. I wear it at home. I’ve yet to find a similar jacket anywhere, at any price. The same with my parka.