Celebrate! Fold a Towel.

It started with learning to fold my daddy’s handkerchiefs. Even though she would iron them later, Momma took the time to let me ‘help’ with that household chore. When I was old enough, those handkerchiefs would help me learn to handle the iron and create sharp creases rather than ugly scorch marks. (It was a while before I graduated to ironing actual pants and shirts).

Later I learned to fold diapers. No, not folding them for little sis to wear but to put away till she needed one. The way I learned to fold diapers is also the way I folded towels - first on the long tables at the laundromat, then later on the couch. Why did I have to fold them the diaper way? Was it so they would fit in the cabinet space or so they would all be folded the same?

For more years than necessary to say, I have had my own towels to fold and my own cabinets to put them in. I went through a phase when I wanted to do chores ‘my’ way. Guess what? Without a preconceived plan - WHEN towels made it out of the dryer AND out of the basket - it didn't take long to revert to the diaper fold because it’s quick and automatic. Momma knew best. (I’m glad someone invented disposable diapers).

It is an outdated term, but Nov. 3 is National Housewife Day. Mom was an exemplary role model even if her firstborn was not the ideal imitator. For part of my early childhood, she did not work outside the home. Later she did. ALL of you out there - moms AND dads who manage homes and careers, donning responsibilities of family and work simultaneously - are loved and appreciated. You make this world go ‘round. (It’s also Cliche Day).