Mending Bankie

I love to sew.

And I love being a Mama. 

But,

I DO NOT love to mend. 

Mending is boring. 

Mending is not creative.

Mending is not glamorous.

But, I love my girls. 

And as a Mama, sometimes, I need to mend things.

India's Bankie (Blanket) has been her closest friend since she

received it at 2 years of age.

Grandma (my mom) sewed it 

for her and embroidered the back so she would 

always know that "G & G" (Grandma and Grandpa)

love her very much. 

When she was little, 

she would snuggle up in it and grin,

saying "G and G are hugging me in my Bankie".

Here she is with Bankie in Chicago, when we 
were candidating for a music pastor job, before
we moved there.

This was in our 1863 house in New Hope, PA, 
when she was 9.


Bankie has been with her each time she was in the hospital, each
move to a new house and church, 
each sleepover. 

When Grandma made the blanket originally, 

she used polyester satin blanket binding.

India LOVED the satiny trim and would rub it

between her fingers. 

And she literally "loved the stuffin's out of it"!

Yes, I am aware that my first baby will be 19 in just a few weeks.

But she loves her Bankie.

So, when she came to me, holding her treasured

and nearly shredded best friend,

I had to set aside my "fun" sewing (as in, pretty dresses)

and repair, er, 

MEND, 

Bankie.

Such a simple thing, to mend a Bankie.

Yet Bankie is the cozy object that has been there 
every time she was afraid, or sad, or sleepy.


Bankie has always been there to "mend" 
her broken heart, to wipe tears, or 
to warm her cold toes.

So, what else can a Mama do, 
but lovingly mend that faithful Bankie?


India, even though you are almost all grown up,
you are still my first baby.

I am glad that I can mend your Bankie for you,
and make you smile. 


I love you, Dida.