New Shoes for Old Women

I don't remember my parents buying new clothes. I'm sure they must have at some point during all the years we lived under the same roof, but it would seem to be rare. Recently, I was helping my dad sort through some  musty boxes tucked away in his attack, and found all the shirts I remember him wearing when I was little. I remember the plaid, the stripes, and the old firehouse logos on his navy blue firefighter uniform tees. He was still holding on to them in case they fit again, I suppose.

As a kid, I chalked it up to the fact that my parents wore the same things because they were just that- parents, which equaled terribly old, which equaled terribly out of touch with anything fashionable. I assumed once they reached 30, life basically ended, and with it, their sense of style. It never really occurred to me that my mom or dad would want a particular pair of shoes or a new top. Of course, when you're that small, you believe the world centers mostly around you, a little around your siblings, and not at all around your parents other than their role to care for you.

The funny thing is, in many ways, it must have- it certainly does with Millie. Money is tight, and so it usually goes to something she needs. She gets a new pair of jeans when the pairs she has get too short. She gets new shoes as she outgrows old ones. And she even gets a pretty bow or cute pair of tights on occasion- and really, it's a bit selfish of me when she does, because in many ways, it's better than when I get something for myself. Dressing her up in new clothes is exciting. It's not that we (or any other parents) feel as if there's some big sacrifice involved- her happiness makes us happy. (And, yeah, her cuteness makes us melt..)

But after looking at my worn pair of charcoal grey Chucks and realizing I'd been wearing them since before I even met Sky, I decided it was time for something new- for me. Armed with coupons on top of sale prices, Sky and I went to the shoe store and each walked out with boxes. The rarity that is parents shopping for themselves had just taken place.

And even though I'm not a bit more cool or even a little less old, I propped up my feet this afternoon and felt pretty content. Shoe shopping can do that to a girl.