Handkerchief. While society has almost eliminated the
practice of the handkerchief or even the word itself, I was recently overcome by such an incredulous gift.
As I was
growing up it was the art of a man to always carry a “hanky”. My dad did so as well as any man I can
remember. In fact my first ironing
lesson came from ironing dad’s handkerchiefs.
I guess mom felt there wasn’t much I could mess up by ironing these
cotton squares. It was a “go-to” gift
for any man on your Christmas list and if you wanted to make it really special,
you would have their initial appliqued on a corner so it could be displayed
just so. Some may think we have evolved
since that era and using tissues are much more sanitary and while I am certain
to go through my share of tissues throughout any given day and more during
allergy season, there are times nothing can replace a hanky.
On the website The Art of Manliness, there is an article entitled “Why Carry a Handkerchief?”
The article is humorous yet very apropos. One sentence in the article states, “The best
reason (i.e. for a man) to carry a handkerchief has nothing to do with you.” I witnessed that first hand last week.
As we were
at the end of my father-in-law’s memorial service and friends began to walk in
front of our family, many began to stop and offer hugs and encouragement. I became overwhelmed from the loss of a
significant keeper of our family but even more overwhelmed from the outpouring of
friends and family who had traveled to come to be with us during this time. Unfortunately a box of tissues was not
readily available so I was in quite a mess.
Suddenly a true gentleman ready with his hanky handed it to me. Glen Moret will never know what his simple
act of kindness meant to me.
For me that
hanky brought sudden memories of the men in my life that had had a handkerchief
handy in a moment’s notice. I remembered
these men who were so practical and yet purposeful with the hankies in their
pockets. They were ready to wipe tears,
boo-boos, and of course messy noses.
My purpose of
this story is not to discuss the benefits or bane of carrying a handkerchief
but to be thankful for a man who was ready to demonstrate “a gallant and
chivalrous gesture.” I found such
comfort in it.
Isn’t it stunning
that God uses the simplest of gifts to mend our hearts? Cards, food, flowers, and even handkerchiefs
have been healing balm for our family. Each one blesses us in astounding ways.
