The Gleam in My Shoes

One day long ago, I stood outside my apartment waiting for my friend’s mini-car to arrive. Our plans were to travel some distance to a seminar where I agreed to pay for the gasoline.

We chatted much of the way, but in the silent moments we were absorbed in our own thoughts. Reaching into my pocketbook, I glanced at my feet, admiring my brand-new shoes. The gleam of the deep burnt sienna and thick scent of fine leather filled me with delight. I had waited so long to find them … finally they adorned my feet and steadied my gait. And hopefully they would carry me through many a day.

Settling back into the car seat, my mind wandered back to the rare times that I purchased footwear. They reminded me of high school days that I so wanted be finished. But my schooling had a long way to go. College and graduate studies followed with working a ton of hours to pay for it. So much effort, so much angst. But I kept keeping on. A major goal was to find the right employer … which finally happened. Then affording a comfortable apartment and a car boasting a fuel gauge, windshield wiper and heater that worked.

And then, another pair of shoes.

Life continued. Still more hoping and waiting. This time I wondered about a serious relationship. Would I remain alone or find a special someone to share breakfast, lunch, and supper with... for the rest of my life. This was a life-changing decision. Huge.

I decided to take that leap.

One day when the sky was very blue and the sun melting, I tucked into a simple white gown and anchored the veil with a hundred bobby pins. Then I bounded up to the altar, greeting an expectant grin that wrapped from one ear to the other. My husband soon to be. I nodded, my cheeks a rosy blush … moist mascara eyes twinkling.

Embracing our wedding promise, it was time to begin a new life. We nested into a bursting home with four pairs of happy feet. Bone-weary but immensely happy years filled our days… of flipping pancakes, helping with homework, cheering at baseball games and dance recitals. With joy and pride, we walked each child through to adulthood.

Ah, and now their little ones gleefully snuggle happily in our arms. Such special moments. I am honored to be holding my children’s children and who knows, perhaps one day, their children as well.

"Yes, yet so much..." I mumbled as I repositioned myself in the car seat.

“Hey, what did you say, … you have been snoring for miles and miles,” said my friend as she took a sharp turn, “Look, we are almost at the seminar,” she exclaimed, eagerly nudging my arm.

I nodded, and glanced down on new shoes, the sweet scent of new leather again tickling my nose. Thinking so many thoughts, of many years lived … of dreams fulfilled. All welcoming a deep peace and satisfaction. Yet so much lay ahead; the best of life still to come.

Yes, along with times of waiting. Yet such longings will hopefully come to pass. My heart is ready for more, eager to experience, with great expectation.

Yes, and with a pair of strong, well fashioned shoes just waiting to take me.

... and that's how I live it.