The Shoes of Your Life

Dear Daughter,

Sitting here today I was thinking of shoes and you came to mind. I started to think of how at each different stage of your life your shoes would change.

First there are the shoes that are so cute, yet totally impractical. You hardly kept them on your feet, yet they were so much fun for mom, auntie and grandma to buy. Usually you only got to wear them once or twice when you were dressed up for church or maybe for that picture to put on Christmas cards. Those shoes cost almost as much as mine.


Next came your first pair of Mary Jane’s. You looked like a little girl, no longer my baby, really starting to grow up. You put them on with your school uniform and were so adorable, how could anyone resist giving you a big hug but you were busy and always moving so it was hard to catch you to give you a hug. But at night after the day was over and as you were settled into bed all worn out from the day’s activity. You were peaceful and with your eyes half closed you would say your prayers and then snuggle in. It usually only took a page or two of the book and you were off to sleep.

As you grew in to a young woman there were fights over the heals being too tall for a young lady or that they cost too much. You had your own style and there was no going back. When it came time for the prom we went all out and got the perfect pair to match the perfect dress. I cried as my ‘baby’ walked out the door on the arms of a young man in a tuxedo.

Now I experience the empty nest as you race off to college and out on your own. I get a text every now and then and I read your blog so that I know what your up to. Your shoes range from practical to trendy but who cares you only live once. You come home for the holidays and bring your laundry and at least one friend with you each time. I don’t see much of you during your visits because you ‘must’ go out and reconnect with all your friends there is so much going on. I sleep better each night just knowing you are near if only for a day or two.

“Mom I met a guy.” How can so few words make such a change in a life, yours and mine? Soon we are making plan for the wedding of your dreams. We talk of all of the uncertainty and all the fears of what the future will bring. You ask so many questions and yet there is no assurance I can give that will totally bring peace, all I can do is pray with you and keep track of a few details. You dress in your gown and slip on the matching pumps your hair done up with a few strands of delicate flowers woven in. I kiss your check, careful not to leave lipstick, and send you off to marry the man that will care for you, but he will never love you like I do and I can rest in that.

Soon you call to tell me that I can dig out the old baby shoes that are tucked away in the back of the closet. A call when you head to the hospital, a call when they have a high fever, a call to see if Grandma can baby-sit. Life seems busy, yet simpler when you stop by just to have a cup of tea while the kids are down for a nap. Now your shoes become more comfortable both to deal with the swelling and to be able to chase around after your own child and the cycle begins again.

Shoes styles come and go but my love for you will never change.

Love,
Mom