My grandmother’s gloves
It was Easter, 1965, and my grandparents were there, photos show us gathered out front of the church. I was only 4 but was very excited. I had a new easter dress, a gift from my Aunt Rachel. She always remembered my birthday in November with Christmas dresses for both my sister and me. Then just before Easter we got dresses for my sister’s birthday in May. This year the box had included our dresses and hats and gloves, somehow Mommy found money for shoes and socks with scratchy lace. I felt so elegant, at least I think that was the feeling. It is hard to tell as I don’t know if I even knew the word, elegant. I do know I felt very grown up.
My mom had to help my sister as she was so much younger than I was as she was only almost age 3, but I could “do it myself”. But I couldn’t! I tried and tried, wishing fervently that I was small enough to be helped. As I struggled, Grandma Mac, came over to me and sat down beside me. I didn’t notice at the time, but she must have pulled off her gloves, and then held them out to me, “Could you help me with my gloves?” she kindly said, “and then I can help you.”
I nodded, and reached for her gloves, dropping my own into her lap. Then she held her hand out and I tried to force the glove onto her fingers. She said it would be much easier if I remembered the Golden Rule.
I stopped and she showed me how to put on her glove, as she said, “Do unto others as ye would have them do to you.” As she slowly smoothed the glove down, it took two words per finger and she ended with “you”. And the glove was on! I was amazed and asked, “Can I do the other glove?” She smiled and handed me the glove. I tried to hurry and once again the glove just wouldn’t go. She patiently stopped me and together we repeated the “golden rule of putting on gloves”. And it was on! Then with her helping, together we did both of my gloves. “Where did you learn this?” I asked. “The Bible,” she replied, “Jesus said it.” I nodded and ran over and promptly took off my sister’s gloves that Mommy had just put on and showed her the marvelous method of putting gloves on with a Golden Rule! How many times we took off and put on our gloves that day is unknown, but it kept us busy for quite a while. Grandma taught me many things that day.
Grandma taught me that patience makes a lasting impression… especially in a young child.
Grandma taught me that Bible memory was fun… and practical.
Grandma taught me to take time to help those younger or smaller than myself.
And Grandma taught me that I should treat others the way I wanted them to treat me.
And so much more…
