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Heartwings Love Notes 803 - The Wonderful Jacket

Heartwings says, "When you have something special to wear, keep it."

As I pushed my wagon through the aisles of the grocery store, I saw a woman standing by the meat counter in a most unique and lovely white furry jacket. "I can't resist telling you I think your jacket is magnificent," I told her. She laughed and said it was from the 70's, yet she could never bear to part with it. "Nor should you," I told her. We each continued on our way, pushing our shopping carts in opposite directions.

I smiled to myself. I was wearing a jacket I have had for over close to thirty years It is a fairly ordinary, black, nylon one, with some very useful pockets. Black fur edges the hood. However the story of how I acquired it and what has been done to it since is what makes it special. It began on a trip to the Cape many years ago when Stephen and I were in a consignment shop, poking around. I saw the jacket on a rack, and knew I might be able to use it.. "If you can zip it up you can have it," said the woman behind the counter.

I looked down at the zipper and saw that it was slightly frayed on the bottom and could be a bit challenging. Nevertheless, I gave it a try and very carefully zipped it. The woman was good at her word and gave me the jacket without charge. In the ensuing years I went on zipping it up carefully until finally I invested in a new zipper. Then too, parts of the lining began to wear out. At crucial times, several friends who were fine seamstresses repaired the lining so that it looked almost new.

Now when I put on my wonderful warm winter jacket I remember my friends and their generous work on my behalf. I also think how fortunate I was to have found it, been able to zip it up and to still have it after all these many years. What keeps me warm in it is more than the lining or the material, it is the memories and the love of friends that has been sewn into it. How could I ever part with this jacket? I believe I never could, nor do I ever wish to.

May you have some things you cherish that only improve with age.
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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