NEEDLEWORK

My son Alex came into the living room where I was sitting on the couch holding a plastic bag with a half finished needlepoint project inside.

Alex’s eyebrows went up. “Are you starting to do your needlework again?”

I nodded my head as I pulled the canvas out of the bag. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while now.” I placed the canvas next to me and pulled out the needle and thread. “It’s time I go back to doing some of the hobbies I’ve always enjoyed.” I looked over at him. “I honestly don’t know why I stopped everything.”

“I’m so proud of you!” Alex was smiling. “For over the past year all you’ve done is watch the news on your phone and yell at it.” He patted me on the top of the head. “I’m glad you’re moving on to something that’s more calming for you again.”

I took a deep breath and slowly released it. “Thanks. I’m trying.”
I adjusted the pillows behind me and settled myself into them. As I was threading a piece of blue thread through the needle I began to realize just how much I missed it. I got the thread through on the first try. “I wasn’t reading as many books as I used to. I stopped all my needlework. I was becoming obsessed with the news!”

Alex nodded as he sat down in the chair across from me. “I know! I tried to tell you. But I couldn’t get you to put your phone down.”

“I know.” I sighed. “It took me a while but I’m finally hearing what you were saying to me.” I smiled over at him as I held up the canvas and put my first stitch in, feeling the smooth flow of the needle as I began filling the canvas with thread.

“Now that the weather is getting nicer you’ll be able to sit on the back porch and do your needlepoint while you watch the birds at the feeders and throw peanuts to the chipmunks.” Alex reminded me. “Remember how much you liked doing that too.”

I sighed as I remembered. “I do love this time of year when it starts getting warmer out and all the little critters begin running around the yard.” I looked over at him and smiled. “Summer’s just around the corner too!”

“That’s right.”

We sat there quietly as I got in the rhythm of the needle. After a few minutes I put my needlepoint piece down and reached over to grab the television remote from the coffee table.

“What are you doing?” Alex asked looking concerned. “I thought you were going to work on your needlework?”

“I am.” I clicked the television on and went to my favorite news station before putting the remote back on the table and picking up my needlepoint again. “But I just realized that there’s no reason I can’t do both!”

Alex got up shaking his head as he looked over at the television. “Try not to yell too loud.”

Shaking my head I looked over at him and smiled. “I honestly can’t promise you that.” I settled back into the cushions and began stitching again.