I have really come to love my “old lady” shoes.  It’s not just because they are comfortable. And it’s certainly not because they are stylish.  They aren’t. But these babies protect my feet and are sort of like an whole life insurance policy. If you wear them, (pay the premiums) they will give you a better life while you are still here, (the dividends).  And after you are gone your family will benefit from having had you around when you were healthy so you could leave them an inheritance, (good memories).

When I was younger, my appearance was far more important to me.  This was because I always wanted to leave a good impression. I really cared about looking presentable, and that meant decent clothes and of course, good shoes.

Since my Italian grandfather was a cobbler and did shoe repair, he was the expert we went to, who gave us his opinion on the shoes that we bought.  Thus began my love of shoes. I had many pairs of shoes. But I never spent a lot of money on them. I found that if I shopped often, I would find beautiful leather shoes that were barley, if ever worn, at thrift shops.  First off, I would check the bottoms of shoes and the backs of them. I think that some women would buy shoes, that were maybe a little bit tight, thinking they would stretch out. And if that didn’t happen, they just gave them away.  Therefore, I was the beneficiary of their mistaken judgement. I knew what to look for. And I never bought a pair that didn’t fit or feel comfortable right from the get go.

I think that is why I really didn’t go for the orthopedic styles.  Let’s face it. They really don’t draw attention to themselves. At least, not in a good way.  But now, I am far more concerned with how I come across to others. And that has nothing to do with your feet or how they are adorned.  I’d rather they look into my face and see that I am sincere and honest.

So, I must say that my “old lady” shoes have become some of my closest friends. And to think I may have never tried on a pair, had I not needed foot surgery. I must stress that the surgery had nothing to do with wearing shoes that weren’t good for my feet.  I am grateful for the fact that these, not so stylish, “old lady” shoes have a place in my closet. And they sure have a place of comfort in my heart.