Okay, I know this post is going to sound irrational to anyone but me. But since we've already established the fact I'm pretty sentimental, I'm hoping you'll bear with me yet again.
My washer died.
It actually died 2 weeks ago. The drum stopped spinning, so while I could wash my clothes, they didn't get wrung out in the spin cycle. Of course, this happened right before the Sweetheart Banquet, and frankly, I couldn't deal with a repairman right then, so I asked my husband NOT to call him till after that weekend. But then I was sick. And then, well...I just kind of got used to wringing out my laundry by hand after each load. I've been washing the necessities for each day and feeling pioneer-ish in a strange kind of way.
So today the repairman finally made his visit. I was hoping he'd say it was the belt. Or the coupler (whatever that is). But no. It's the transmission. And I heard the repairman say it with my own ears.
"Your washer is dead."
I think maybe I should be excited. I should be happy about replacing my 18-year-old washer with some sort of new-fangled equipment. But I'm not. 'Cause in my heart of hearts, I'm remembering.
I'm remembering this gift of love given to us by my parents for our wedding, just over 18 years ago. When my new husband and I arrived at our new home in Florida, a beautiful new washer and dryer were delivered to our doorstep, all spankin' new and lovely.
This washer has seen me from my newlywed days right up till now. It's seen...
*the pizza-smelling clothes of my husband when he'd return from delivering pizzas when we were first married
* tiny onesies, denim overalls, soft blankets, and soaked burp cloths
* towels, crib-sheets, and bunk bed sheets
* grass-stained baseball uniforms
* well-worn costumes made by Grandma
* mud-caked play clothes
* faded swimming trunks
* sweat-drenched running clothes
* growing sizes of jeans, shirts, and socks
This washer and dryer made the trip from Florida to Ohio...and again from Ohio to our current home. Through all my stages as a new wife and mommy, they've seen it all.
And so, yes, I know it's just a washer and dryer. Just things. Replaceable things. But for today, I'm enjoying with joy and gratitude the memories and the snapshots they create. And I'm reminded through these simple, everyday appliances of grace upon grace.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Memories In the Washer
Posted by Nikki at 5:30 PM
Labels: heart smiles, seasons
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3 comments:
I so enjoy how you see the memories even in things like a washer and dryer!
Appliances maybe one thing I am not sentimental over. :)-
Enjoy picking out the newest (or best deal) washer! It will see you through the next 18 years full of memories.
I remember that happening,too! I'm not totally sentimental, but mine shot oil all over the clothes and got some on the t-shirt from Amy's graduation that had all the class names on it. Old stuff fine - new stuff, not so much
I can see the attachment. :) It wasn't just a piece of machinery to you...it was a token of your parent's love and a consistent companion for many years. I think it's sweet.
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