Mending Souls...

I brought in a sewing kit some months ago to the facility because I wanted to teach the boys how to sew. I love it, and I find it very relaxing. At first they stated that it was gay, boring, and looked at me like I was crazy...(a loving look I get from them about ten times a day, "you crazy girl".) Then the first boy came forward with something that had been given to him by his grandfather that needed sewing.

Last week I came into the facility and about fifteen guys were lined up waiting for class. They all yelled out, Simone, Simone!! Do you have your sewing kit??!! I have a hackie Sac/pillow/rain coat/ shirt/ shoe/ football glove/pair of pants that need to be sewn. If one were to look at this in an incorrect light they would say.."who the hell do you think I am? Sewing all your bullsh*t stuff for you." But they are not looking for "handouts" or free labor. They are looking for healing...and at that moment I realized how drastically they had changed in even just a few months time.

Each time I sew something with a boy, they sit with me paciently and watch and try to learn themself how to sew the item. The item is almost always a beloved object that has withstood the test of time and wear through numerous placements, juvenile hall, camp, and horrific family situations. While we are sewing, the story, history, or value of the object is always very clear. I watch them relax, and a peace come over them as we sew. I listen to them talk, and I feel the tears, holes, rips in their heart slowly start to mend stitch by stich. Old stitches are pulled out, and new ones are put in. It is not an over night process, but it helps. I have come to realize that no progress with these boys happens over night, but that every step along the way is important.

My hope is that one day each one of these young heroes mends the pain in their heart, and only with love, work, and time the scars will fade, and the fabric of their life will have a different hue.
I now carry my keys, badge, and a small sewing kit in my back pocket when entering the facility.