2021 was a very difficult year for me. My mother's health had been in steady decline for several years, but suddenly in early May, she became almost totally incapacitated, requiring constant care, provided by my father, my siblings, and myself. Doctors seemed unable to agree on a diagnosis, while I watched my best friend of more than fifty years fight a long, painful battle against an enemy whose name we did not know. We knew however that her battle was coming to an end soon, and then during the last month of her life, we were finally given the diagnosis which had eluded us: ALS.
My mother fought bravely and without complaint, yet on October 25, 2021 she passed away very peacefully. Those of us left behind were and remain heartbroken. The only comfort I could find was in music, and I knew I wanted a very special handmade folio case for my iPod touch. I did some searching online and happened upon the website of Hand and Hide, and my heart told me these people were the type who could create something truly special. So I placed my order.
Not too much later, I received a box, obviously prepared with great care, tied with string, containing exactly what I had wanted. I requested that the presidential campaign slogan of Ulysses S. Grant be stamped inside: "Let us have peace."
Each time I see and touch that beautiful handcrafted leather folio case, I am reminded of the way my mother fought so courageously while enduring untold pain and sadness, but how that she now is finally at peace, while I still, with a broken heart, seek peace.
Many thanks to the talented people at Hand and Hide for the beautiful case they created for me.