Most of us had grandmothers who wore aprons as they worked in the kitchen or around the house. They were removed when they went to town, but hanging clothes on the line or working in the garden, that apron was worn like a badge of honor. Sometimes you see aprons in a few shops around but most children today will ask "What is that?" or "What do you do with that?"

Well, that piece of clothing was very very special. It was used in so many ways, that life would just not have been the same without it. It was basically used to protect clothing from stains while preparing meals, but it was cupped to carry in fresh eggs as well as apples in the fall. No plastic bags were needed. In the garden, that apron was the basket for peas, beans, and the fresh tomatoes. In the fall, the orange, yellow, and red of fall flowers were overflowing when these messengers of the changing season were brought into the house and placed in bottles or vases to make a table look extra-special, even when company was not coming over.

Aprons dusted furniture as they went by, especially when the doorbell rang. It wiped a wet brow after mowing the grass or sweeping that front porch. Yes, when a child needed some comfort after falling on their knees or from the respect of their peers, it cleaned up tears real fast as it led the "injured" into the kitchen for a piece of pie that just happen to be sitting on a window sill on top of another apron to protect the "wood."

There was always a treat in the pocket of grandma's apron, from a bit of candy, gum, or even a penny. They were small treasures, but they were the world's gold to a small child. They appeared magically and were carried as good-luck charms throughout the day. Little ones loved hiding behind the protection of the apron when strangers approached - it was a shield from danger, and the unknown.

A few pieces of cloth, a few seams to hold them together and it was better than a suit of armor as it made wide the paths of life and soothed the bruised knees, and elbows when bike riding perils of not paying attention were felt. It was the perfect picture for the framework of the mind - grandma standing in the doorway welcoming family and friends and inviting them to "sit a bit" and trade information and tidbits of gossip that did no harm.

I'm sure in heaven there is a place for aprons that made the world a better place, and a special reward for those who wore them. Something to think about.

Arleen M. Kaptur has written many books and articles on everyday living and finding peace and joy in all we do.

Just a Very Simple Apron
by: Arleen M. Kaptur