Silly, Sentimental ,Shoes

I used to have an amazing pair of shoes. I remember the day that I bought them, it was just before I left for Europe in June of 2000. I got some birthday money and I decided to go to Aldo and spend it ALL on a pair of shoes; I was looking for a multiple personality shoe (if I can call them that), teacher shoes, Europe tour shoes, I'm-still-hip shoes. People thought I was crazy to spend $75 on one pair of shoes; bet those people don't think I'm that crazy since they lasted longer than most large breed dogs!

But sadly, last week Carl pointed out that my shoes were cracking. It's been 7 years and 6 months since I got them. And I'm a bit sad about letting them go.

I'm in a time of life right now that anything of no use gets trucked off to the Clothing Closet, to the dumpster, or someone else's house. I feel good that I'm not a clutterbug, and really, why should I hang on to the material? It's not what really matters.

So why am I so sad about getting rid of my old cracked shoes? Well, those shoes were worn from May when the snow was gone, to October when the frost came, for 7 years. If the weather was nice, they got to come out of hibernation sooner. I wore them almost every single day to school (but there were days that the other shoes were getting jealous, so I wore them once in a while so they'd feel loved). I don't know how many Sisler miles those shoes have seen. They kept me comfortable through three pregnancies, every Braeside summer service and countless weddings. And they made it all the way to California with me. They were my favourite shoes and I have so many good memories with me wearing them.

But I can't wear cracked shoes, so last week I said goodbye. It was a bit drawn out because first I took them outside and put them by the shoe rack. Then a few days later I put them in a plastic bag. And then finally on Friday I took them to the dumpster out back. Tomorrow is garbage day and I know the dumpster will be emptied and I'm going to try not to go diving. There will be another pair of shoes that come along with me while I make wonderful memories.