Tying One On… At Church?!?
You better believe it! We tied one on at church… our aprons. Of course, tying on the ‘ol apron was only part of the fun. The rest was being able to visit (we call it “Fellowship”) with the other ladies, see all the different aprons they were wearing, and hearing some of the stories behind our aprons.
The meal was a wonderful conglomeration of dishes provided by everyone who attended. It was easy to overeat. Then again, how often do you attend a potluck and get to visit with precious, funny ladies and have a great time out for the evening?
Of course, no ladies potluck is complete without loads of laughter. And let me tell you, these ladies did not disappoint! Because when the program began, that’s when the laughs started too. Our program director, Norma Jean, handed everyone a small container with one “chewable Memory pill” (an M&M) and told us to take our pill, because we would need it later. Then she told us how aprons got their start and what they were used for “back in the day.”
Aprons were used as coverings. To protect from getting dirty. The first aprons (coverings) were mentioned in Genesis. They were used for Adam and Eve…
“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.” ~Genesis 3:7
Of course, aprons were used for many other things as well; to protect Grandma’s dress so it didn’t get dirty. Because in the 1930’s and 40’s, Grandma didn’t have many clothes. She would sew herself aprons to protect the ones she had. Many aprons were made from old flour sacks. The fabric was sturdy, yet soft and provided many years of use.
Some of the uses of Grandma’s apron, in addition to protecting her dress, were to dry tears, to wipe the sweat from her brow as she worked. She would often use it as a potholder to take pies out of the oven. It was used to carry eggs in, or fussy chicks. Sometimes her apron would carry half-hatched eggs to the warmer so they could finish hatching. She would also carry apples or gather vegetables from the garden, or even pea hulls. Many times Grandma’s apron served as warmth as she wrapped it around her arms. She would use it to wave to the men to call them in for dinner. Or to carry kindling so she could start the fire in her wood stove. It would also serve as a cleaner for dirty ears. If company showed up unexpectedly, her apron would become an impromptu dusting rag. But it would also serve as protection for shy children to hide behind.
No apron potluck is complete without a “Fashion Show” of sorts. We had eight models to walk the runway and show off aprons. As each model strutted her stuff, you could hear the laughter around the room. Each apron had a story, which was told in the poem Norma Jean read for each. However, none were as memorable as the one “only worn on the deck” in the summer. Words cannot describe this apron… you have to see it to believe it. But let’s just say that the laughter turned to hoots and hollers as our dear sister, GiGi strutted and danced all around the room!
It was when the program turned to sharing our personal apron stories that the atmosphere changed. Especially when one Momma came forward to share her story. Sara made her apron out of one of her maternity shirts, for herself, her baby girl, Ella Grace… and two of Ella’s baby dolls! What a legacy she made for her daughter to share someday! There was laughter, and a few tears.
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children…” ~Titus 2:3-4 ESV
There were other stories of course, and a game to write down all the uses of an apron, but my Memory Pill is wearing off! I’m wondering if one is even enough? Norma Jean didn’t really say how many we were supposed to take in a day. It also doesn’t say on the package. Hmm… I may have to ask my son-in-law, Jake. He’s a pharmacist. Maybe he will know…
