By Meghan Halverson
Did you ever ponder the notion that an article of clothing could save your child’s life?
I have always explored the art world and the work of James Wood comes to mind. The image of a farmer and his wife standing bibbed in overalls has an austere yet inspirational tone and is familiar to many. It conjures up days of hard labour, old-fashioned values and a less complicated time.
This painting, or the fact that I grew up in the country, may have prompted me to dress my children in this well-worn fashion from a very young age and I have been thankful for the many virtues of this versatile garment on many occasions.
I remember the first time my husband, Rex, dressed my son, Josh, in the bib-clad tiny piece of denim cloth. He was ever so proud and completely appalled that I sat in fits of laughter as I approached. “Where are the buckles?” I choked. A little dejected, he stated that they were in the back (as though this was common knowledge) and he couldn’t figure out why I was overcome with fits of the giggles! After a little instruction in the proper way to dress an infant in overalls I thought the matter, was done... however, I was wrong.
Months later, as Josh began walking and we took frequent trips to the park, my husband met me once again with a backwards dressed child in overalls! Second time around was just too much and I was rolling with laughter, as were a few other mums at the park. I re- dressed Josh and off he went to shyly play with the other children while we chatted.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, my husband ran full speed towards the slide where Josh teetered. He grabbed those backwards straps just in time and my chuckles died in my throat. That was a close call...
Years later, and after the birth of our second child, Rachel, once again the overalls (this time right side around) became a blessing in disguise. We were meandering along a well-known pier and a huge flock of pelicans surrounded a fisherman at the end. My bold and dangerous daughter didn’t hesitate. She ran full pelt into the midst of these feisty birds! A hand from above once again used that fishhook effect and plucked the ‘catch’ of the day into midair by the straps of those trusty overalls before she was attacked by toothless bills.
Backwards, sideways or upside down, overalls take a beating, save their ‘good clothes’ and are even attributed with saving a life. Perhaps these adorable garments should be as much a staple for toddlers as strollers and sunhats!
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