As a child, I always admired my mother’s feet. They were thin and elegant and rarely without stockings. I felt sorry for people with short, stubby feet.
I’ve had some issues, however, in inheriting her long, narrow feet since I have trouble finding shoes in my size 10AAAA. Amazingly, they do exist, for a price.
But after she developed rheumatoid arthritis, in her 80s, her feet changed dramatically. They broadened and became very sore, with each toe rubbing on the next one. I even bought for her little toe stockings to put on each individual toe to keep from having sores on them. Yes, it’s true. Could I make that up?
She could no longer wear the elegant sandals of her youth, but had to wear heavy-soled black “clodhoppers.” She deplored it, as did I, but we could do nothing about it. Only in those could she stand to put her weight on her feet. Paying over $200 a pair for such ugly shoes added insult to injury.
After she died, I was touched by all the shoes she’d kept, even though she could no longer wear them. I understand that—clinging to pleasant memories through physical items. Even though she originally wore a 9AAA, I discovered that I could wear her sandals, though spilling over the end it bit. So I brought two pairs of her sandals home with me.
And now I find that one pair is perfect to wear dancing. My mother never danced, but I think she would be happy to know I’m dancing in one of her favorite pairs of shoes. The beat goes on….
And I should say that even though her feet changed in her later years, they were still beautiful. Why? Because God says so. She never quit sharing the gospel with everyone she met. “As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:15, Isaiah 52:7, NIV)
Terri Cornwell
I love this Lanita….I also had shoe memories of my mother and have several pair of her shoes that I can wear! Thanks for this one. Memories so dear :). Terri Cornwell
Lanita Boyd
Thanks, Terri, for your comment. It’s amazing what trivial items can spark sweet memories.
Susan Smith
Lanita, I never knew so many Ralph girls have long skinny feet!! Aunt Juanita and I organized one of her closets last week and she has a few pair of beautiful old pairs. Her feet are long and narrow as well. Lexi has one 9&1/2 size foot and one size 9! When I look at that picture of all the sisters sitting on the hearth, you can see they all had long feet! Mine are just average 7M and I do LOVE shoes!!
Lanita Boyd
Yes, Susan, it’s a Ralph trait. But also, my dad wore 11A, which is really unusual for a man. Then I had to up and marry a man who also wears 11A, so poor Josh was sunk, though he can sometimes wear 13B if he can’t get 13A. Years ago, I was a mite jealous of Kelsey with her normal 8M–and relieved for her as well.
Sherry Carter
My Mom loved to wear t-shirts, and so do I. I have several of hers and, every time I wear one, my heart smiles.
tinamhunt
Lanita, this brought up so many sweet memories for me. On a recent visit to AZ to see my mom, we were shopping and she purchased a pair of flip flops that had been glammed up a bit. She was like a kid in a candy store. She bought them, even though it seemed frivilous to her—just because she wanted to. I loved it. And they haven’t stayed tucked away in the closet either! She’s worn them out to dinner and just go shopping…coz a girl just can’t get enough glam! Blessings.
(And my, you have narrow feet!)
Lanita Boyd
I had no idea so many of my friends would share shoe-memories connected with their moms. What blessed memories!
Lanita Boyd
Sherry, my mother only wore suits for the last 30 years of her life as she worked in a law office. I have a couple of her blazers that I love to wear even though they don’t fit me very well!