QUALITY: It's sorely needed - and missing

Quality has been lost in our lives. In the mornings I try to shake off the usual back ache; caused by my brand new lumpy and sagging mattress. When done brushing I spit out the usual mouth full of loose toothbrush bristles. After showering I’m still bleeding; a perpetual victim of the throw-away razor. 

Then I get dressed. My closet overflows with shirts, all defective in some way or other. Sleeve longer on the right or the collar shorter on the left. Pants with one leg longer, one pocket shallow and always more than enough broken belt loops to go around. Speaking of belts, I have gone through three belts this month; I’m a thin guy. Choosing the right socks is always a challenge because of their three-day life span. Then there are the shoes; for the first time in my life I don’t have a favorite pair. 

I have a new coffee pot, for some reason I always seem to drip coffee everywhere when I pour a cup. I take the bloody toilet paper off my face and head out through the garage. I’m careful not to trip over the new mower I bought yesterday. Too bad it seized up after five minutes of use. Oh well, I’ll take it back tomorrow. 

I have learned that quality cannot be purchased for any price these days. It just amazes me what I have gotten used to. Am I crazy to expect any reasonable amount of quality? 

JOHN WILLARD

Post Falls