Releasing the tired one

Yikes!   Were it not for the honesty of another shopper, I recently came close to losing my driver's license and credit cards - because the stitching on my beloved billfold grew too tired and gave way.

"That's it.  I'm taking you shopping.", DH announced in a brook-no-argument tone.
I opened my mouth to protest ... then took a good look.

Pathetic, isn't it. 

But once upon a time, it was Beautiful.

Am I the only one?  
....or is there a kindred soul in Blogland who's hung onto something long after its useful life, solely for sentiment?

That billfold came into my life some 15 years ago.   When my mother was still active and alert, she 'most appreciated' my driving down to Port Charlotte for the weekend and taking her shopping.

As much as I'd like to pretend otherwise, I wasn't particularly enthusiastic.
No question we loved one another, but our similarities were few and far between.   Shopping, for instance.   

I don't necessarily recommend it, but my M.O. is hasty decision-making, usually done on-line. 
On the other hand, mother loved the mall and could (literally) spend hours before deciding on pair of shoes, a purse.   Or a billfold.

That day, mother discovered her 'birthday billfold' in amazing short order!   More than a little relieved, I was happy to pay the bill and suggest we move on to cocktails and dinner.  
I don't remember the restaurant or what we had to eat, but I'll never forget the honest-to-goodness Good Time we enjoyed.   Like mothers and daughters are supposed to.

There was no question.   Shortly after my mother passed I adopted that billfold as my own.  
... and loved it for the last 11 years.       

I never replaced this picture ..... mother kept tucked alongside

her driver license, voter identification and Blue Cross/Blue Shield ID card.

That little guy in the sunglasses?  That's my pride n' joy, now all grown up!



I've probably wasted spent too much time on eBay and Etsy, trying to find the same 'vintage' billfold.   Then, with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, the truth dawned.  I don't especially want a clone, because it won't be the same.  

Instead, I'll put 'our' billfold in the hope chest alongside my dad's wallet, and look for a replacement.

Something serviceable and sturdy ... and maybe, just a wee bit vintage!

Hugs from Phoenix!
Myra