New Shoes
I had this big emotion come up into my chest this week from one of those moments as a parent that you realize your kid is growing up so fast and there’s really nothing you can do about it but try to take it all in.
I planned on writing a very long blog post about it, but it just so happens this week I have been taking neil’s master class and this week’s topic was this short story and more concise writing.
So with my emotions and a little Neil magic, here I am with a short spurt of feelings about my son and his little (growing) feet. Enjoy:
The shoes finally fit! We can finally use the shoes your auntie bought for you!
Before, more marshmallow than foot, your squishy toes had inches to go before they could be strapped securely in. Soft to the touch, still resembling pink more than any other default human skin tone. Plump. Wiggling. Compact. More round than limb. The extremity of my soul.
Your ankles are tanned. Dare I say toned? They are snug in sandals made for running, not wobbling. Where did your waddle go? What do I do with your old shoes? The shoes I’ll see in photos when you’re older and say, “Those were the red shoes you wore everywhere—oh and you loved pushing that little red car back and forth on the cement.”
The shoes finally fit. We can finally use the shoes your auntie bought for you.
I’m so glad to finally take them out and strap them on. But once they are secure, you run away too fast. Why do I want you to look back when the last six months I have shouted from afar, “Look in front of you. Look ahead! Watch out!”?
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