A is for Apron

Welcome to the April A-Z Blog Challenge. I hadn’t decided what to write for today’s post until yesterday, when a neighbor and I were talking about oven mitts, potholders and dish towels as protection for taking something out of the oven. It reminded of of my mother, who always used the bottom of her apron instead. Lightbulb moment!! 💡

No one wears aprons these days. I don’t even know if they’re available in the stores now, other than novelty aprons with the funny sayings like “The smoke alarm is my timer” and “Many have eaten in this kitchen – few have died.”

I remember my mother wearing an apron every time she cooked when I was small. It was a full apron and had a small flower print, a pocket and the edges were trimmed with bias binding.

I found this poem on the web. I don’t know who the author is, so I can’t give credit. I do give thanks, though, for bringing back wonderful memories.

Grandma’s Apron
(author unknown)

When I used to visit Grandma. I was very much impressed,
by her all-purpose apron, and the power it possessed.
For Grandma, it was everyday to choose one when she dressed.
The strings were tied and freshly washed, and maybe even pressed.
The simple apron that it was, you would never think about;
the things she used it for, that made it look worn out.
She used it for a basket, when she gathered up the eggs,
and flapped it as a weapon, when hens pecked her feet and legs.
She used it to carry kindling when she stoked the kitchen fire.
And to hold a load of laundry, or to wipe the clothesline wire.
She used it for a hot pad, to remove a steaming pan,
and when her brow was heated, she used it for a fan.
It dried our childish tears, when we’d scrape a knee and cry,
and made a hiding place when the little ones were shy.
Farm produce took in season, in the summer, spring and fall,
found its way into the kitchen from Grandma’s carry all.
When Grandma went to heaven, God said she now could rest.
I’m sure the apron she chose that day, was her Sunday best.

Do you remember your mother, grandmother or great-grandmother wearing an apron?

Comments

A is for Apron — 9 Comments

  1. I love aprons and wear one almost everyday. My mom told me that my grandmother loved to bake (I have no memories of her) and sew and that she made incredible aprons. Great poem.

  2. Jianne, thanks for visiting. I really didn’t think anyone wore aprons these days. I’m sure I still have one in the back of the closet somewhere though.
    Margery recently posted…A is for ApronMy Profile

  3. My MIL wears an apron, she has a million of them! And, you can buy them at Target!

  4. My mom never wore an apron. Then again, my mom didn’t cook very often either. LOL. Maybe I should get an apron because I’m pretty messy. 😆
    Sharon Cullen recently posted…QuotesMy Profile