A Handy Hanky

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.