Small Shoes.
May 11, 2012 § Leave a Comment
When I see my daughters small shoes, they just stare right back at me. I can imagine her little feet slipping into each one. See her sweet face asking for my help after she’s already put them on once or twice and claimed her autonomy.
She wants to make sure that mama is still there. That mama loves her. That mama hasn’t forgotten about her even though her little brother Edric has stepped into her once single limelight.
I remind her every so often of the time when it was “just us.” I say,
“Remember when it was just me, you, and papa? We would go to the park together and run around. Read books. Sing songs. Visit friends. Drive in the car. We had a great two years together.”
I pause for a moment and watch the smile on her face grow bigger as she remembers and then continue,
“And now we have Edric. He’s a part of our three. He has made it four. And we are going to have many more fun memories together.”
I think my lovely believes me. She has always called her brother “my baby” and it’s only become more tough since we moved. I can’t even imagine what leaving one of the first places you’re really consciously aware of feels like.
Although I of all people know material possessions can’t make you happy, I bought her new shoes on Sunday. Her old shoes were falling apart and not looking very much like a princess as she would hope.
I took her to the store–three, in fact–to find the perfect pair. A pair that was sparkly and comfy and mama could afford. Those little shoes are sitting by the end of her bed. And I’m thinking about her toes peaking out of the front. Her smile as she puts them on and zips up the back.
Those small shoes. They’re just staring back at me.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful moms out there…that means you!!
