Boots and shoes can tell a story. I remember that especially when I think of my travels. In Japan, I always had to remove my shoes when entering a private home or even a dining area of a restaurant. We were afforded a slip-on indoor loafer of sorts and the message was clear. In Morocco, the slip-on footwear looked more like flip flops or sandals without any heel, but the message was again clear. If you are welcomed into a home with these cultural tendencies, you are offered footwear.
Having grown up in the Midwest where ice, snow and cold ruled half the year, we never removed footwear, but were careful not to drag moisture or mud onto my mother’s clean floors. After moving to Colorado, my own Family had to be less careful due to the abundance of sunshine. Then came a couple decades in the Pacific Northwest where we were very aware of the rules that were present in every house. Thankfully, I have moved back to abundant sunshine and am less cognizant about wearing footwear indoors.
The picture on today’s blog is one of thankfulness! You will note many kinds, sizes and forms of footwear. They represent a significant slice of my family from numerous time zones and multiple weather climates. You will notice everything from cowboy boots, rain boots, hiking boot, athletic shoes, dressage boots and yes even flip flops! For me this is a celebration of the unique needs of not only geography, but family. The folks who come after me have spread out from the high country of the Rockies to the shores of Kauai. We will soon go as far east as Oklahoma. The shoe styles may change, but other things will remain constant.
While the photo represents 17 sets of individual footwear with differing needs, it also represents a single-family unit that chose to come together in spite of our separate needs and desires. It represents our individuality while celebrating our uniqueness. I am truly grateful for this perspective and especially thankful that some of my family chose to spend some of their precious time off with us!
January 8, 2025
