My Apron Mother Saved A Lot for Me

As I was going through things to donate to Easter Seals, I found bed sheets that were my mom's. I couldn't believe as I hung them on the line , that every corner was sewn. My "apron" mother took the time to sew , iron and use her things to last. My "apron " mother was the mother that wore an apron in 1950's and 1960's to protect her clothes when she cooked and to put handies in the pocket for when I needed my face cleaned. I didn't realize my mom was sacrificing getting new clothes and new bed sheets and "saving " what she had , sewing ,ironing and using her things to last. By "sacrificing" things for herself as my dad did too, they helped their children to value family sacrifice. We never wanted for anything. Both my brother and I had a great childhood. We travelled every summer to visit cousins out West in Montana , Wyoming and Oregon. My parents were saving all year for these trips. My brother and I had the nice clothes for Catholic school , communion, confirmation and graduations. We graduated from the Catholic high school and went on to the university to both be teachers. Little did I know that Mom , my" apron " mom and dad had sacrificed on themselves to give my brother and me ,a good life! By sewing up sheets, eating at home, hanging clothes outside or in the basement, sewing quilts, not buying anything we didn't have money to pay for,( my parents never had a credit card) , taking good care of our home and things, my "apron "mom and dad were able to save a lot for my brother and for me : their children.

by Sandy