When we were packing to move in with Aunt Elaine, I took my mother's blanket and my grandma's Sick Blanket. We all sleep with my mom's blanket. The sick blanket stays put away until we get sick and then only the sick one uses it. When we're finished being sick it gets washed and then put back away.
My mom's blanket is starting to rip and fall apart a little bit. There's a big hole at the bottom. I sewed it up but it opened again. It makes my chest hurt to think of not having her blanket anymore. It's white with big flowers on it. My mom's bedroom was all white and crisp and yellow and sunny and warm. It was like her. Everything she ever wore was always ironed. Well, not everything everything, but anything that showed on the outside. After we were all in bed my mom would watch tv and iron all the clothes she was due to give back the next day. I guess she just figured she might as well iron all our clothes and hers too.
I burned my finger ironing the other day. I don't do it every night, but all at once for the week. Danielle and I switch off and we iron all three of our week's outfits. It takes an hour. Aunt Elaine always asks why we bother. "Since you fold them straight from the dryer they're smooth enough." "Who are you trying to impress?" "Nobody is looking at you or your clothes."
Maybe our mom is. And maybe it makes her happy that her girls look how she'd always try to make us look. Shut the fuck up and go eat another donut.
4 comments:
I think it always helps when we feel and look clean, no matter the situation.
it's so hard when all of those keepsakes fall apart over the years ... i cried when i broke my moms favorite cup a few years ago. i still live with some of her favorite antiques. they need repair, the table is all warped and chipped, but i can't afford that, so i just live with the warped table.
i have kind of given up wondering what my mom would think looking at me now. it took me long enough to realise that i have to do stuff for myself too, not just for her. i know that sounds strange, but for a time after my moms death i had become quite obsessed with doing everything that would please her.
i guess by now i've found a good way of doing my own thing, while still going by her high moral standards.
I say IRON ON - besides, I doubt you want to take any fashion tips from your aunt.
I think that you are putting the effort in to iron your sisters' clothing, with all you have on your plate, is a testament to your character. I have always loved your sassy attitude. It's what will pull you and your sisters through this. Sam, if I ever get a good book deal, I know someone I'd love to send a gift to. :)
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