Pockets Of Time

Pockets are magical, don’t you agree? Who among us hasn’t nearly flipped to discover a dress or skirt that has them? That was my reaction when I came across this pretty frock. But which came first, the dress or the idea for this post?

Let’s take a step back as I share a bit more background regarding some thoughts on pockets. A few events in my life have recently converged. First of all, I finally got my “previously scheduled but canceled due to COVID-19” mammogram and breast exam done. It’s been three years since my DCIS diagnosis and mastectomy. Knock on wood, all is good. If you’re new to my blog (or need a refresher), My World Has Changed: In Real Life, My World Has Changed: In Real Life (Part 2), and Back In Action: In Real Life will fill in the details.

That diagnosis made me eligible to join a small Facebook breast cancer support group that a friend of mine had started several years ago. Members of the group post will often post about challenges they’re facing with their treatment or anxiety about an upcoming doctor’s appointment. When I was new to the group, I became intrigued by a common response to those posts from other members. In their responses, several women would often include “in your pocket”. From the context and its use, I came to understand that phrase as meaning “I’ll be there with you even if just in spirit”.

I recently asked my friend more about the origin of the phrase. She shared with me that it had come up organically in the group, as in they’d say… “I’m with you, my hands are in your pocket, can you feel me wiggling my fingers?” More than saying you’re holding someone close; the deeper meaning of the phrase is that they are facing the challenge with you. Without judgment or question, your fear is my fear, your pain is my pain.

Unlike “in someone’s pocket”, there is no pretense of being under another’s influence or control. It’s a two-way exchange since the offer of support helps the person in need as much as it does the one doing the offering.  It could be someone undergoing treatment for a medical ailment, someone who is facing a personal crisis, or someone who has lost a loved one. How powerful might hearing the words “I’m in your pocket” be?

As for this pretty frock, the color caught my attention first. Then the shirtwaist style had me thinking about how I could wear it now and later when the weather cooled off. But it was the pockets that sealed the deal. Maybe it’s a carryover from my “young mom” days (as in “hold this for me Mom). Or maybe they represent the freedom to not need a purse for keys and cellphone. In reality, they’ll likely not hold much other than a tissue or a facemask while I’m eating. Nevertheless, I’m glad to have them. I’ve also noticed more and more dresses and skirts with pockets in stores recently.

Distressed denim jacket – thrifted, DIY project
Dress – Sonoma
Sandals – Poshmark (similar look)

“Pockets of time” is another thought that’s been rattling around in my mind. Sometimes, they seem to go on forever and at other times, they feel too short. Is it a moment or a lifetime? Do we know when one has begun or when it will end? Would we behave differently if we know how long they will last?

Whether you’re battling against breast cancer (PSA – get your girls checked if you’ve got them) or another serious illness, or the loss of a loved one, or dealing with all the havoc that COVID-19 has brought into our lives, I hope you know that “I’m in your pocket”.

Be well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.