Rain, Rain Go Away

Rain, Rain Go Away

The Christophers always say, “There’s nobody like you.” Gilbert Center is proof that’s true.

The octogenarian is the last umbrella maker and repairman in New York City. He learned the trade in his father’s shop where every stitch was made by hand. But, by the 1960’s, imports took over the market and most umbrella shops shut their doors. After a brief retirement, Center went to work for the last one, and when it closed, he continued to work out of his home.

There he makes umbrellas for Broadway shows and fixes them for people who don’t want to part with their old ones. “They’ll do anything to have it fixed, because they can’t replace that particular one,” says Center. “Maybe it’s the pattern, or it was given to them by somebody they loved.”

Each one of us is unique and irreplaceable in God’s eyes. God never forgets that. Neither should we.

I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior... You are precious in My sight, and honored, and I love you. (Isaiah 43:3,4)