Only A Phone Call Away

For me, my grandparents have always been one phone call away. Even months after my Grandpa passed away in April of 2003, I felt I could just pick up the phone and call him. I attended his funeral. I knew he wasn't going to answer the phone. It just seemed like I hadn't talked to him in a really long time. I'd be on the phone with my Grandma and the sudden urge to say "now put Grandpa on" would sweep over me like the shivers on a cold Wisconsin winter day. After about a year, the reality that he wasn't there anymore set in.

Last night, I stopped at a fabric store to buy some needles and bobbins for my sewing machine. Shockingly, I can sew a bit, thanks to my Grandma and Mom gets a little credit too. It may not be the straightest or prettiest seam, but I get the job done. As I made my way to the needle section, I noticed the wall was filled top to bottom with different needles. There were needles for knits, denim, corduroy, jersey, fleece, berber, cotton, silk, leather, etc . I felt overwhelmed, so I asked the sales lady. I mean, don't all old ladies with short, curly, over-bleached, purple hair who work at fabric stores know about sewing needles? At least they did when I was a little girl and my Grandma would take me to the old Ben Franklin Store back home. Those times are gone too.

I'd pick up a pack, then put it back down. I'd pick up another pack, then second guess myself again. Finally, it dawned on me. Though it was late, my Grandma was only a phone call away. My heart delighted at the thought she'd share her wisdom. It could have been 3 a.m. and I knew Granda would answer and tell me what I needed. Even though Grandma hasn't sewn for many years, she knew exactly what I needed.

Thanks Grandma for only being a phone call away no matter what time it is or what you're doing. I got the job done!