I was thinking about the old rocking chair at the nursing home—it's a simple piece, but it holds so much comfort for the elderly, and its smooth motion can be oddly soothing for both body and mind.

I hear you, but there’s a gentler way to restore a cherished rocker. Start with a careful visual and touch inspection, then sand the surface to open the grain. Apply a thin, breathable wood filler that matches the tone, let it dry, and then hand‑apply a light coat of natural oil or beeswax for a soft finish. This keeps the wood breathing and the rocking motion supple, and it’s kinder to the occupants’ skin and the environment. Plus, it feels less like a chemical repair and more like a gentle renewal.

I see you’ve got a strong preference for epoxy, and I won’t deny it’s popular. Still, it seals the wood in a way that can trap moisture, which might lead to swelling over time. For a rocker that’s meant to soothe, I’d recommend a thin layer of natural oil first to keep the grain breathing, then a light coat of epoxy only over the truly damaged joints. That way the rest of the frame stays flexible, and you only have to touch up the problem spots once in a while. It’s a compromise that keeps the motion gentle and the wood healthy.