Amanda’s Story: My dad is a single dad who is both a mother and father to me. He received orders to Afghanistan as he was in the Army. He took me to the mall the night before he was to leave to buy me new clothes as when he was boarding the plane to Afghanistan, I would be boarding the plane to Biloxi MS, where I would stay for the year he was gone. I was scared to death to go so far away and he told me was just as afraid. He bought me some clothes and a pair of jeans I had always wanted. When we got home, he sewed a tiny red heart on the back pocket. The sewing was kind of lop-sided because he did it by hand. He told me that the heart was a symbol of how much he loved me and that it would bring us both good luck as well as reminding me that he was never that far away. I promised him I would wear them when he returned. The year at my grandparent’s was kind of hard, especially school. My grandparents were so great though and I started to settle in. My grandmother always washed my jeans by hand to keep the heart from coming apart. Finally, the day came and my dad returned home, safe and sound. I met him at the airport in my special jeans. My jeans traveled from NH to MS to the airport and they are still my favorite pairs of jeans.
Karin’s Story: I grew out of my favorite pair of jeans with embroidery on the flared bottom. I put them away for 2 years and could not part with them even though they did not fit. Well, I just pulled out my winter clothes and there they were. I decided to try them on, since I have been exercising regularly. They fit!! I have my favorite jeans back. So glad I saved them.
Stephanie’s Story: have a pair of black jeans that are my perfect fit, “I’m all that”, jeans. I wore them on my 25th birthday to the best birthday party that I ever had in my life. I also wore them whenever I went out with a guy who I wanted to get to know better because they made me feel my absolute best and fierce. After 2 kids I can no longer fit them and they are in a crate of my ‘If they could see then’ clothes. But, we’ll always have the memories!
Jennifer’s Story: I bought my favorite pair of jeans the day I met the President! I was managing a band at the time, and they were offered the opportunity to play at the White House. I was so worried about what to wear, I asked the coordinator at the White House what I should wear. She said “President Bush is from Texas, so wear jeans and boots and you will be just fine.” I bought a new pair and wore them to the White House!
Lori’s Story: I was at the local flea market and purchased a pair of Levis along with a couple of planters. When I got home I decided to wash the pants prior to wearing them. I checked each pocket. Inside the coin pocket was a $100 bill folded to a 1-inch size. I decided to go back and give the man and his son the money back. Long story short, he couldn’t believe someone would do that, took me out to lunch, and we are now engaged! Great Memory.
Brenda’s Story: Nothing can make you feel old like the way you dress. I was beginning to admit to my age when, for my birthday, my daughter got me the cutest pair of jeans with all the embellishments. I donned the jeans and put on an appropriate blouse and WHAM! I was a new, younger, woman. I felt attractive and youthful. Whenever I’m feeling a bit down, on go the jeans.