4.29.2008

her name is gratitude...

Isn't she beautiful? We've been spending a lot of time together.

There was a message from Gina on my phone Saturday. "Cally, somebody has left something here for you. If you could come pick it up, that would be great. We close at 4:00. Thanks."

Um...Gina... as in Bernina Gina? Hmmm. How nice, someone random bought me some fabric...and left it at the store...to surprise me...because...it's...a....huh?

Then I remember all my sisters thoughtful interest in my desperate need to break up with my hunk-a-junk cheap machine. Her empathy and compassion for my needle breaking, thread tension hating, stitch skipping woes and miseries. And how the passion was slowly slipping away...

And her questions that morning about specifically which sewing machine I was saving for, because she's done some research and has found a couple good suggestions.

Oh, she's so helpful, and nice. "I'm going with the Bernina's from Gina. I can keep upgrading until I reach the mother of all machines." Dreaming.

So, I hear the message. Panic. I can't call Corrie, no long distance. So I grab my neglected cell phone...I think there's long distance on there. Not charged. I plug it in and wait.........come on.....this is serious.....

Corrie was no help. Let's play dumb.

So I book it to Gina's.

They bring this mongo red carrying case from the back room. Still in the back of my mind thinking it's a yard of fabric, I did the Miss America thing. Put my hands over my mouth and started to cry. Oh my gosh. My own Bernina. I'm not worthy. Then she pulls off the cover, and it's THE BERNINA! THE ONE! I got weak in the knees, with all the reasons why I didn't deserve this.

Gratitude can be overwhelming.

When I got her home and settled in (Dani asked, "Is this your new best friend mom?"), I called Corrie. She gave the phone to my dad, who is visiting. I cried. And he was quiet. I didn't even have the words, or understanding. He did. He said he loved me, and he was proud of me. They want me to enjoy my hobby.

I love you. More.


So not only does she sew like a dream, and she can thread herself, and she knows the alphabet.... I'm sewin' up a big heap of gratitude every time I turn her on.

Greatest ever. Thankful isn't even sufficient.

8 comments:

wendy said...

So - - did your mom and dad buy you that machine?? HOW COOL. I will have to make some orders now - tags, bags, what other fun stuff. fyi - I HATE sewing and most other domestic activities.

Mia said...

That is so wonderful and so sweet! I agree that sometimes the gratitude is so overwhelming it just makes your eyes fill up and your whole chest want to explode! I am really happy for you.

ShEiLa said...

How awesome is this! I am so happy for you. I used to sew... not like you but I learned in HS and then I sewed when my kids were little, but seeing all that you do, makes me want to get back into it as a hobby. Nobody deserves it more. toodles, Sheila

Roses Are Red, Violets are Violet said...

how sweet... I adore surprises!

Unknown said...

she's gorgeous!

cyndi said...

That was so nice! My grandma felt bad for me too. I was sewing on a piece of junk too. It was like a work out every time I used it. It was fine But nothing like sewing with a bernina. Which is smooth like butter :) you know what I mean. I asked Jay for one for my birthday. He said i could have a new sewing machine. but not the one. Then my grandma called and asked if I had gotten it. I said no and she said I will buy it for you. You need a good sewing machine. So last Monday I got a Bernina Artista. I am in love!!!! I have found a new enjoyment in sewing. Now I just have to figure out how to use it---The manual I mean novel is so long. I think I need to take a class.

Congrats on your new baby ;)

mer said...

wow, what a beautiful story. makes me want to pass on the love and surprise someone with something...you so deserve it.

cally said...

Oooh...Cyndi...and Artista! That's beyond my comprehension. I get 6 "Machine Mastery" classes for free from Gina, I'm excited.

I wake up every morning and want to greet her with a little stitch.