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Dr. Del Tackett is the author, architect and teacher for Focus on the Family's The Truth Project, a nationwide initiative designed to bring the Christian worldview to the body of Christ.
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Happy Mothers Day & Do Washing Machines Really Eat Socks?
Posted on May 8, 2008
Filed Under Personal |
My dear wife is still in Texas helping our daughter and son-in-law during their “new baby” time. I am glad that she is able to be there. One of the downsides of our mobile society is the geographical separation of the extended family. In the not too distant past, it was easy and natural for family members to help each other out because they lived close to one other. Unfortunately, that is a rarity today.
However, in her absence, I’m fending for myself here in Colorado. And whenever I do this, I end up with a greater appreciation for all that she does for me. I know that most of us have a tendency to take these things for granted and it is not until they are taken away that we suddenly recognize how much we should have been expressing our appreciation for them. I often wonder how much I take the Lord’s blessings for granted and, like a spoiled and ungrateful child, fail to acknowledge and thank Him for His goodness. It may be worth pondering all of that this Sunday as we take some official time to thank the mother’s in our lives.
Well, that recognition came into focus last night. In our family, my wife has taken on the primary responsibility in the laundry department, so it has been a while since I had single-handedly done battle with the washer and dryer. I had returned from some lengthy traveling with a load of clothes to wash and so I climbed into the ring for what I thought would be a short bout. And, it was—until I began to fold and put everything away. That is when I found myself with two odd socks—“odd” meaning socks without mates.
Now, this situation isn’t actually new for me. I have often experienced the weird phenomenon of “losing socks in the wash”. It wasn’t all that unusual for only half of a pair to return from an encounter with the “machine”. I had heard others complain about it, but I had never heard anyone explain it, except to shrug it off with a resigned statement that washing machines simply “eat” socks.
But now, it had happened right under my nose. Surely I could find the answer. The trail was still warm.
So, I conducted an intensive search. I opened up the washer lid and carefully examined the inside of the tub. They weren’t there. I looked in the dryer. I even used a flashlight and turned the drum all the way around. Not there. I looked on the floor. I looked in the little gap between the washer and dryer. I then checked the laundry hamper. Empty. I scanned the floor between the hamper and the laundry room. Nothing. Then, as if something might have changed, I did the whole search over again.
Where were those two socks?
I have long known that there was something strange about washing machines.
Several years ago my wife tearfully told me that the diamond was missing from her wedding ring. We followed the normal pattern, of “when did you first notice it was gone” and “where was the last time you saw it”, which are pretty difficult things to ask in this situation. A newly engaged woman may gaze repeatedly at her new diamond ring, but after several years of marriage it doesn’t often draw your attention. However, we did narrow it down to the strong possibility that it had “popped out” within the few previous hours. That led to a retracing of her steps and a meticulous examination of every inch of rug and floor along the way, including the removal of the drain traps under the bathroom and kitchen sinks. Nothing. Then the memory surfaced of hearing something “clink” when she was putting the clothes in the washing machine. Could that have been it? Well, it wasn’t long before I had the thing disassembled—agitator, tub, drain hoses. I even pulled out the pump and shook it, with the hope of hearing the rattle of this precious little rock, whose purchase had taken the bulk of my money—which isn’t saying much. My wife and I used to “pool” our nickels and dimes to pay for an order of onion rings.
Well, each new idea of where it might be hiding brought renewed hope: “Maybe it got caught in some of the clothes and made it to the dryer!” Up we would jump, with flashlight in hand. But there was nothing there but a few pieces of lint.
We finally resigned ourselves to the reality that it was gone and eventually the days wore away the sadness of the loss. “We’ll get another one” I said cheerfully, but we both knew it wouldn’t be quite the same. The original had a flaw in it. Not visible, but a flaw that allowed us to buy a “nice” diamond at a price within my very short reach. (isn’t it interesting how “flaws” can eventually become part of why we cherish something?)
I don’t remember how many months passed, but it was a significant period of time. I don’t even remember who first heard the scraping noise in the washing machine as we were pulling out the clothes. But it had been long enough that we weren’t even thinking of any possibility other than that it must be some small pebble rolling around the bottom of the tub. I could hear it, but for some reason was having trouble seeing it. I quickly grabbed a flashlight, which produced a sparkling glint and I remarked to my wife that it wasn’t a stone, but a small piece of glass. You can imagine both the shock and joy we felt when I pulled it out and there between my thumb and forefinger gleamed my wife’s diamond.
I think it was at this moment that I began to have the first musings that there was something strange and mysterious about washing machines.
However, I did learn something from that experience that helped me. I used to believe that washing machines really and truly did eat socks. How, I didn’t know, but they just would simply disappear. So, I would throw the odd sock away. But then I began to notice that after some period of time, the mate would often return. So now, rather than throw the odd sock away, I just set them aside, because the odds are the other sock will eventually reappear…just like my wife’s diamond.
So, last night I finally gave in and accepted the fact that, yes, socks really do disappear in some strange way during the laundry process. I’m sure there must be a scientific explanation, but for now I simply conclude that washing machines don’t really eat socks…they merely borrow them for a while. 
Now, the logical question is, what do they do with them in the meantime?
Happy Mother’s Day to all those mothers who contend with a whole lot more than missing socks!
Comments
27 Responses to “Happy Mothers Day & Do Washing Machines Really Eat Socks?”
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Del,that is hysterical, but true. I feed mine like an extra child when I want to get rid of small items, like socks with relentless holes in them, that the boys do not want to part with. They make sure I do not throw them in the trash, so I do the next best thing…throw them in the washer and pray that today it’s “hungry”.
Great story. It made me smile. I’m so happy that you guys found that diamond!
Del,
Great post! Thanks for sharing your experience with your “sock eating” washer. I think we all have one of those… Cindy, it never occurred to me that a hungry washing machine could be a solution for the errant child problem ?!?! ;–)
Your text: “(isn’t it interesting how ‘flaws’ can eventually become part of why we cherish something?)”
It’s funny how important uniqueness is to all of us! I believe we all want to stand out, to be noticed, to “BE” unique… The good news is that in God’s eyes we are all unique, special, and loved beyond our finite imaginings. Can you see the contrast here? A Triune God of love, who is at the same time infinitely unique and uniquely infinite; loves each of his children, (dare I use the words again?) uniquely, and infinitely! He is acutely aware of our individual individuality because he knew us before we existed. He knew our flaws, mistakes, and our sin before we were conceived in our mother’s womb.
It’s funny and strange how an imperfection can be an endearing attribute. Thankfully, God has provided a unique and perfect solution for our imperfect uniqueness!
In Christ,
Dan…
I occasionally find a dryer sheet caught inside a pant leg or sleeve of something (even more rarely does that happen to fall out while in public). I wonder if socks ever get stuck in other clothing and then only reappear after that clothing gets washed again and the connection is lost? While nice in theory (and more palatable to my brain than other weirder ideas) I can’t say that I’ve ever known this to happen - not in my house or to anyone I know… A mystery for sure!
One friend of mine said that socks actually use the washing machine as a means to escape their tortured lives. He said that when you see the random sock on the side of the road (which also always seems to be the case) - that was one that got away.
I contend in this day and time when everyone needs support. A support group should be formed call”socks without partners” While they are alone, they could have support from other socks with the some problem.
I hate to be the one to solve this mystery, but here goes. The socks get sucked out the drain hose. A mother told me that long ago and I never questioned it…
Idea- a sock swap for people with socks without partners.
It is truly ironic that what one family experiences is not so unusual to other families. Del, the next time you put your slacks on ckeck the pant leg. That is one of the experiences of our washing machine. It liked to hide socks and underwear in pant legs. It is also a humble time knowing that an inanimate object bested us in all our knowledge and wisdom.
Greetings from Bartlesville!
In response to Del’s post and some of the related comments I offer the following:
If you continue to feed socks that are worn thin or have holes in them to the washer, they will NEVER disappear. It may be that they are an unacceptable (blemished) sacrifice to…….(?)
On the other hand an Episcopalian lady married to an evolutionary biologist of considerable repute privately informed me that the missing socks return as surplus coathangers in your closets. I can’t believe that washing machines have evolved to that point but there IS some credible evidence.
Yes, socks sometimes get in other clothing and fall out. Several years ago, I was walking down the street and just happened to look down. Believe it or not, there was a sock that was partially hanging out my pants leg. If I had not looked down when I did that would have been one more lost sock. But sometimes no matter how much searching you do, you just can’t find them. An easy solution to lost socks is to keep a safety pin pinned to your sock (on the inside so it’s not seen) and pin them together when you take them off. It’s great because when they come out of the dryer, you don’t have to sort your socks to find the mates. Another advantage is you always have a safety pin handy when one is needed. I’ve given quite a few safety pins away so don’t forget to keep extra pins on hand at home to replace the ones you give away.
Del,
Throw the odd singles in your sock drawer - their mates will be in the laundry basket weeks from now looking for their long-lost twins . . . . . .
You’re going to find those socks inside a T-shirt or stuck up a pant leg weeks from now
Socks missing, Kathie believe that there is definately collusion with the washing machine. We have some other things like a harmonica that dissappeared, a single shoe and a few other things we can find no where. There must be a one legged man out there playing the harmonica, wearing a either a white crew sock or a light blue ankle sock along with a black shoe, if you see him or her, would you send them back home… charlie
Forget the socks, I am wondering, what did you do with the diamond once you found it? Make it into something like a necklace?
I have a special basket where I keep all the loner socks while waiting for its mate to reappear. That way they don’t get lonely!
First, I’d like to say congratulations to you, your wife, your daughter, and her husband on your new addition to your family. What a blessing that your daughter was able to have her mom with her…that is priceless.
Second, you all are too funny with the socks, and the laundry. Chances are, the run-a-ways are probably the dirty socks, not the clean ones in the washer. The dirty ones are the ones that made a break for it, and never made it to the washer. The two “odd” socks are probably together, having a good ole laugh, waiting for Mrs. Tackett to come home. Then they will join the rest of the laundry again, when it’s safe….lol
Thanks, for the laughter, it is medicine to the soul.
audrey
One more thing…
Mr. Tackett,
Thank you, so very much, for the wonderful, God inspired work you’ve done with The Truth Project. It is a must see for every believer. Thank you, and your family, because I’m sure it was a costly work.
I pray God’s continued blessings on you, and yours!
Godspeed!
audrey
Not only do washing machines eat socks (usually boy’s socks) but my cookbooks lose recipes. After looking for a couple of hours for a cookie recipe I was anxious to make up for company, I baked a cake instead. After going to our friend’s house for dinner and serving the cake we came home, I sat down to read my email, and would you believe it? My cookie recipe came back.
Similar experience, except that we found the sock, or rather a washing machine repair man did. our machine was leaking water, I took the machine apart as much as I dared, but found nothing. The repair man did some more investigating, and eventually produced a sock, some plastic alphabet letters, Shergar the race horse, and Lord Lucan ( for those not of British origin, the last two references may need some research). I conclude that there is one thing that swallows more things than a washing machine and that is the wallet of repair men: 101 euros, for 30 minutes work with no new parts needed!
Could it be that you wore two socks that didn’t match?
Having accepted the phenomina, perhaps we should stop investigating it and see how we are to respond to sock eating washing machines. I have a suggestion.
I understand that Abraham Lincoln lost one of his gloves off the back of a train. He quickly took off the other and tossed it to the tracks. When asked why, he explained that one glove would be of use only to a one armed man. At least that is the way I remember the story.
With that in mind. Why not give the sock that didn’t get free a chance. Throw it back in, offer a prayer, and set-her-running. Imagine the orchestra striking a romantic ballad as the now freed sock crosses the road to join the other. Maybe a great sunset in the background too. Can we sell this to a playwright you think?
Anyway, what are the odds that someone will give the one sock a nice home. More likely to end up in a muddy ditch somewhere or dragged down a gopher hole for a nest.
Thanks Del for the light moment. I look forward to the newsletter. Also, thanks for the heads up on the movie, “Expelled: “. I went to see it and enjoyed it. Great to see some of the “Truth Project” folks in it. Unfortunately, the theaters were packed for all the other shows but there were probably 15-20 people in mine. Says a little about our interests doesn’t it?
god bless,
ron brown
I used to think that washing machines were some sort of portals for socks. And have you ever noticed that when you’re looking intently for something you’ve lost, you find something that you had previously searched for and given-up on??
To keep my socks from being sucked through the washing machine portal (since it seems to only take one at a time), I tie mine together with those scrunchy elastic hair thingies girls use for pony-tails. Works so well, they’ve come to be known as “sock holders” in our house.
O.K., O.K…
I can see now that my earlier post was far too serious for this chain…
Perhaps we should consider the possibility that the washing machine is actually an eschatological (rapture) mechanism for clothing! Especially for socks! What we now need to determine is whether the missing socks are the elect or are they being sent to you know where?????
I enjoyed this article tremendously. I usually don’t take time to read all of my Emails but this one just jumped out at me, and I’m so glad I took the time to read it. I would like you to know that this washing machine phenomenon is also alive and well, at least in the laundrettes in Dulwich in London, England! It’s been more than 20 years since my teen years but I remember distinctly having the same problem! I would even look back at regular intervals - it was only a 5 minute walk to the rented flat - and they never were lying on the ground… and I never found out where they went! Now I know. To glory land. Thank you for clearing up that age-old mystery for me.
May God bless you for your merry heart,
C
I distinctly remember, as a child of about 12, newly responsible for washing and folding my own laundry, the desperate search for my socks. After a few weeks, I informed my mother I needed more socks. She obliged. However, about a month and a half later, when, again, I informed her I was nearly out of socks, she was less than happy to hear it and I had to endure a rather lengthy (and loud) lecture on the importance of watching after my belongings. I had tried so hard and so long to find them before asking, knowing how my mother would respond, that I was so frustrated I cried. To my great relief, and well concealed joy, my wonderful mother ate crow a couple of months later when the washing machine repair man informed her that we all were filling the washing machine too full and our socks were washing out of the barrel and into the machinery. We all received yet another lecture, but I no longer felt like a failure as a laundress.
I just returned from a week-long vacation and found that my (never-ending) to-do list has grown a mile long (and now includes “vacation laundry”!). While my hope dwindles by the minute (and each new laundry load) that we still have all of our socks….a girl can still dream, can’t she?!
Anyway, this newsletter was the first email that I read, and I’d like to say “Thank You” to all for making me laugh before I’ve checked even one thing off of my list!
Del, The Truth Project is a blessed teaching tool, and I’m thankful that God has provided such a great opportunity. God bless, and keep up the great work!
Jessi
Thank you for your amusing story: I celebrate with you and your wife with finding the diamond. God IS GOOD! My washer has had a problem with finding solo little red socks and including them with the “white only” underwear and undershirt bleach wash. This was especially embarrassing for my husband who worked in a power plant which required all employees, including the engineers,to change into 100% cotton work clothes before their shift. The only thing worse was when the machine found a blue sock also. My husband had either pink underwear or pink and blue tye-dye. He learned to change his clothes very quickly!