06/10/2026
Interesting crocodile wallet. If you notice the first picture, it’s a bit worn. That’s because it’s been used for years! 16 year old Ashton called a few days ago and asked if I could look at this wallet for repairs. Normally I don’t do repair work on anything but my own gear, which has only happened twice ever! But Ashton is family. In fact this wallet belonged to my cousin Ryan, his stepdad. So I absolutely was going to look into it.
After I got it I had to tell Ashton it was past fixing as it was but I’d be happy to make another interior for it and use the crocodile cover. See this wasn’t just a hand-me-down wallet, Ryan suddenly passed a couple years ago and Ashton really wanted this wallet back in service. He agreed with the idea of the new interior.
During the build process I talked to Ryan’s dad Chris and let him know I was working on the wallet. And wouldn’t you know that this wallet was originally his first and he carried it a long time before replacing it. Before it found its way into a garbage can or a junk drawer Ryan ended up with it and carried it for many years after! So full circle moment today that I was able to meet Ashton at Chris’ house and the family all got to see it first.
A new heart for an old wallet and a measure of healing for some of the greatest people I know. And a wallet honoring Ryan’s memory is moving forward with many more years of life well into Ashton’s adulthood.
04/27/2026