Oct
12
Written by:
Donna
10/12/2008 10:29 AM
"The Fabric of our Lives"
Friday morning as we prepared to open the shop a few minutes before ten a lady looked in the window and seeing us inside tried the door. We've never met a customer who minded a bit of vacuuming while looking at fabric so we opened the door. "Oh good, you're open!" she said and went to get others waiting in the car. In came a man and the woman and an older lady who they carefully escorted to one of our class chairs. It was hard to tell the relationship between the couple, they both referred to the older lady as mom and were intent on helping her choose fabric. Soon they showed us a wonderful civil war stack and a pattern, they were not quilters themselves, but wanted to get "mom" a project. She was here, many miles and states away from her home, a quilter, without any of her fabric or supplies. We suspect her age had brought her to live with family as she was in need of some help. Some of our questions she was able to answer and others not. She was definite on wanting to make a quilt bed size, not just a lap. Bless her heart, she just seemed very down but we found it interesting that her family had brought her to a quilt shop. But really it was no surprise, as we have so many who come through our doors for a little comfort. Soon we made our way to the cash register with her fabric, needles and thread (she hand pieces!) and her family members began telling us of the beautiful work she does with a bit of fabric and needle and thread. We packed her purchases in a bag and as she left there was a bit of spring and purpose in her step and a sparkle in her eye. Perhaps we had packed a bit of hope into that bag, too. Seeing the comfort of a visit to our shop brought that lady was a great way to start our day and it was obvious the older lady was pleased to be heading to her new home with the promise of folds of fabric and a needle and thread in her hands. We suspect no one was happier, though, than the couple that had restored some purpose and joy into their "mom."
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1 comments so far...
Re: The Fabric of our Lives
What a wonderful story...... I have a similar one on how I found new and lasting friendships in The Calico Horse... I moved to your little town not knowing anyone... I commuted for work and the store was always closed when I would drive by ... Saturdays were busy doing chores and by the time I remembered it was already closed.. one day I happened to see lights on and even though I was tired from the drive I stopped in... This was not too much before Donna took over... I had a fabulous 20 mins talking to owner and staff.. I made it a point to get back on Saturday... the rest is history with Wed nights, then Friday nights, the sound of laughter and friendship stays with me.....I miss all my friends now that I have moved away.... I don't get back to town often but, I know when I do I will stop by the store to see if anyone I know is working... OH and to see the wonderful goods that line the shelves..... :)
By Kim Pebley on
10/12/2008 6:39 PM
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