Tag: Laundromats

The Laundromat

Our washing machine died. After 25 years – a good life – it stopped working. The dryer was still working even though it is the same age as the washing machine, but we decided if we’re replacing one we might as well replace the other.

The old washer and dryer ready to be hauled away.

So off we went to the local appliance dealer to buy a new washer and dryer. We knew a sale was coming at the end of the month so we decided which set we wanted, then asked if the store would hold them until we could get the sale price, about three weeks away. They agreed. 

The laundromat close to our house.

In the meantime, we would go to the laundromat to wash our clothes. On the way home from the appliance store I told my husband it’s not a bad thing that we have to go to a laundromat to wash our clothes for the next few weeks…it is good to be reminded how fortunate we are to have the luxury of a washer and dryer in our own home.

Inside the laundromat where we went to do our laundry.

Forty-one years ago I still remember moving into our first house and thinking one of the best parts about living in a house was having a washer and dryer and being able to wash clothes at home, whenever I wanted. 

The laundromat we used is about two miles from our house. It is clean, quiet and adequate. The only surprise was the cost increase. It now costs $2.75 to wash a regular size load. 

Our shiny new washer and dryer.

Our new washer and dryer have been installed and we’re back to doing laundry at home, but this experience was an opportunity to remember to be grateful. And we are.

The Laundromat

I went to a laundromat yesterday. We are getting ready for a camping trip and I had a large load I wanted to wash so I decided to do one load in a big machine.

Off I went to drop off the load. On the way I was thinking how thankful I am for my own washer and dry at home. I remembered the very first washer and dryer we purchased back in the late 70’s and the feeling of such luxury; to be able to do laundry in my own home. I am grateful to this day for that convenience, and even more so after visiting the laundromat.

After placing the laundry in the machine and figuring out how much it would cost, I discovered I didn’t have enough change. I needed 50 cents more. I checked the change in the glove compartment of our car but it had been depleted recently. I tried the change machine in the laundromat and, of course, it didn’t work. I noticed washing machines take credit cards now so I tried my VISA but that didn’t work either…at this point I was frustrated…knowing it was my own fault for not bringing enough change. I was on my way to an appointment and didn’t have time to go get change elsewhere before the appointment.

There was a woman sitting on the other side of the room so I asked if she had change for a dollar. She said no, but she said she would give me two quarters. So I gathered all my dimes and nickels and pennies, which totaled 43 cents, and gave them to her in exchange. I thanked her profusely.

I started the washing machine and headed to my appointment, planning to return afterward to pick up my clean laundry and bring it home to dry in my own dryer.

After I drove away a thought suddenly came to me: why didn’t I give the woman my dollar for her two quarters? That would have been the better way. I was so focused on getting the correct change for the machine that I didn’t think beyond that problem. Of course she was gone when I returned to collect my laundry.

May God bless that kind woman in the laundromat; and may I remember the lesson learned.