- June 20, 2025
As the owner of a business, I have a responsibility to look professional at all times. Nothing is out of place. No stains on my shirt. No unwanted facial hair. Certainly, the handles of my computer bag should not be fraying.
And so, while my family was sitting around, blissfully enjoying a Saturday afternoon, I had no choice but to drag them into my emergency.
“We’ve got to do something!” I said, holding up my computer bag, with its faux leather handles fraying, flaking off, revealing embarrassing gray foamy material underneath.
As I explained the situation, I was grateful for the suggestions that my family came up with.
“Why don’t you just look up ‘replacement handles’?” suggested Hailey, who is my wife and the co-owner of the Observer.
“You mean buy something?” I asked, confused. After 22 years of marriage, I figured she would know that I would never pay money to solve even the most high-stakes emergency. Even with free shipping, replacement handles would probably cost at least $10.
Luke to the rescue. My 7-year-old son suggested a do-it-yourself solution: “You could cut up some too-small pants.”
“Now you’re talking,” I said.
I could see his mind was still turning, thinking of more options.
“Or you could color some paper black, and then glue it on,” Luke said.
“Well,” I said slowly, not wanting him to waste too much more energy in these first-grade art class type of solutions, which would not re-elevate my computer bag to business-owner status.
My 21-year-old son, Jackson, echoed my concerns.
“It’s an option,” Jackson said, hoping I was not actually taking Luke seriously. “I don’t think it’s the best option.”
“I could try a black sock?” I suggested.
Hailey’s sarcasm was clear. “That’s a great idea,” she said.
I continued my brainstorming: “Twine?”
I looked to Jackson for support.
“Honestly,” he said, “not a terrible option.”
Then I looked to Kennedy, my 10-year-old daughter. She’s about to start middle school, a place where everyone is keenly aware of any slight imperfection in appearance.
“I would buy new handles,” Kennedy said.
“I’m thinking black electrical tape,” Jackson said.
Later, I looked it up on Amazon: “replacement handles for black computer bag.” Then I decided to get a little wild: “Red handles for computer bag.” Yes. This feels right. Eight bucks for six of them. I only needed two, but the extras still made me feel better about the price.
“What do you think?” I asked Hailey.
She looked at the red handles on my screen.
“Do they have black?” she asked.
“I was thinking Observer red?”
Just right.
Without asking for more ideas from Luke, I bravely pressed the “Buy now” button.
