Ode to our Kenmore dryer

Our Kenmore dryer died this week. Well technically it stopped heating clothes, but it still tumbles. The heating function no longer gets hot, so clothes roll around in lukewarm air. I’m glad this happened because now there is a better reason to replace it. We have decided not to try and repair the issue.

For many months Mr. Nacho has wanted a stackable washer-dryer to save space, even though our existing washer and dryer still worked. Our current setup takes up a lot of room (they sit side by side). The washer does not seem original to the house, but the dryer does. I lamented the fact that our dryer in particular, which has likely been with the house for almost 30 years, still had some life left. I’ve heard these old Kenmore models are built to last (clearly). The dryer has done a lot for us (and I’m sure for the previous owner as well), so I got a little wistful. Sir Kenmore was still hanging in there, doing its job. It wasn’t ready to go – it still had life. It still… dried…our…clothes! 

Everything is temporary and I try to remind myself of that. Physical objects, emotions, thoughts, people. It’s hard not to get attached. Let me clarify in this instance though that I wasn’t attached to my dryer, okay? So don’t nominate me for that strange addictions TLC show. I just felt a real gratitude for this dryer. It was our first dryer together and has seen us through countless loads of laundry. I even used to lay warm sweatshirts over our cat while folding clothes. What’s interesting though is that I don’t care as much about the washer, even though it still works. Maybe because it’s stinky? It also doesn’t look to be original to the house. Who knows why Sir Kenmore means so much more to me. Seems like I’ve got some deeper reflection I need to do. 

So, we’re saying goodbye. And I’m glad we saw Sir Kenmore through to its last heating cycle.  I’m not shying away from the loss. I’m embracing it and appreciating the little things.

Credit to Chat GPT for the following poem:

Ode to our Kenmore Dryer

In the corner of the laundry room,
You stood so tall, with warmth and plume.
With gentle whirls and steady heat,
You turned our wash to cozy treat.

Through years of service, worn but true,
You dried our clothes, both old and new.
The soft embrace of freshly spun,
A warm reminder of battles won.

From stinky socks to blankets wide,
You cradled each with love and pride.
With every load, a quiet cheer,
A faithful friend, always near.

Though your last cycle has now spun,
We’ll cherish all the work you’ve done.
In gratitude, we bid goodbye,
To our dear Kenmore, oh so spry.

Though time moves on, your spirit stays,
In memories of our laundry days.
Thank you for the warmth you shared,
Our trusty dryer, truly cared.