I am a woman of many shoes, not stylish shoes, but functional ones. My dad, who as an Eagle Scout thrives on preparedness, always preached the importance of a good pair of shoes. Good meaning well suited for the activity you were planning to engage in. My mom, who was one of nine kids, rarely had more than one pair of shoes. I've shared a photo of my current pair of shoes which were chosen for comfort and to support. At work I am on my feet all day and at home I rarely sit because I chase 3 toddlers around in an evermore obvious pregnancy-induced waddle. Before I became a mom of 3+ small children I used to spend my free time running and choosing the right shoes was important to prevent injury and make the runs more enjoyable. For many years I ran in Adidas Bostons. The first check I ever wrote using money earned from my first job was to the running shoe store for a pair of Bostons. I had to go back the next day because I'd forgotten to sign the check. Oops! In college I had a stipend for 9 pairs of shoes a year including racing spikes, racing flats, and trainers to support the 55+ miles of running I did a week. Most of the pairs were bright red because I ran for the University of Nebraska. Memories of specific shoes also tie me to all sorts of life events: the time my dad and I got braces together, the first time I got stitches, when my daughter was born, the time I missed out on joining the 5th grade relay team, and various hiking and kayaking trips with family. When I was pregnant with twins I changed out the laces on my shoes for elastic bands. 

– EP

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more