I am so grateful we were able to enjoy this visit together, and that I had the opportunity to learn more about her childhood and culture where she was born in Zama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Her mother made her take sewing lessons when she was a young girl. At the time, she was not happy about it, but recognizes now how God used that skill in her life to bless her and so many others in countless ways.

During my childhood years, our family budget was tight. Aside from working in the hosiery mill, mama took on sewing jobs for the public. She designed and created beautiful, appliqued tops for me from the fabric scraps. As a child, I spent hours turning the pages of my Girl Scout handbook, excitedly completed assignments, enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment earning new badges. I don’t know who was prouder, me or my mom, as she hand-stitched my badges on my sash! She sewed my high school cheerleading uniforms, altered my wedding dress and countless other projects.

Recently, mom began relying on me to get her groceries, run errands, appointments and to take care of issues that arise. She decided it was time to give up her license. These days she still enjoys cooking, daily chores, knitting, Sudoku and sewing. Though sometimes I catch myself “mothering” her.

We are navigating this new territory together. For me it’s a balancing act of providing assistance when needed and backing off, respecting her independence. Like a new dance, we try to flow through this season without stepping on each other’s toes too much. In the meantime, I just want to hold her hand and assure her I am here for her.

Maria Craig, Harrisburg, a member of Union Power Cooperative