Shoes Change Lives

I bought these Vans almost exactly a year ago.  I wore them nearly every day, in any weather.  I could dress casual and they were the final "cherry" on my outfits because they would tie it all together.  I'm a huge fan of not wearing running shoes with a cute outfit.  And let's be honest-- I'm not fashionable at all, but shoes are one thing I'm picky about.  And even with shoes, I'm still not fashionable, because I don't own any "girly casual shoes"... other than nice shoes I wear with skirts or dresses.  But you will never see me wearing dainty flat shoes with jeans or khakis or shorts.  Blugh.  I could never do that.  I have nothing against any other people that wear those shoes... which is basically any other female in existence right now.  I just can't do it-- my jeans would never look good.  I've been debating over Toms lately but those are pointy and flat and meant for "skinny, slimming" type of pants that I certainly don't wear.  Sooo... Vans are my choice for now.  They're not chunky, they're not too flashy, but they still add a dash of style to a simple outfit.

I've owned probably 4-5 pairs of these old-school Adidas shoes... bless my heart.  At least the Vans are a step up, right?

Anyway, my point-- I love these Vans.  They were crisp and new last spring/summer and I loved wearing them with the low socks that made it look like you weren't wearing socks at all.  They were fun and not even very comfortable... but at the same time, my feet loved wearing them.  Over time, they developed their own faded creases and stains and the rubber around the edges pulled away from the canvas.  I even noticed a little hole forming on top of my right shoe, where my big toe was probably poking from inside.  They had character, and even though they started looking a little ratty, I still wore them all the time.  

Today was my last day wearing those shoes.  It's a great story.

One of my teens came to the Club today looking a little somber and mentioned it had been a rough day.  She woke up late, didn't have time to shower or do her hair, couldn't find clothes so she grabbed her mom's shirt to wear to school, and her shoes were falling apart.  I looked down and both of her shoes (probably generic Ked's that have no cushion or support whatsoever) had pulled completely away from the sole.  So she could lift up her toes and the bottom of her shoe would stay flat, and the rest of the canvas part would pull up, with holes underneath.  She told me she couldn't get more shoes for another month.  I was like, "C'mon!  Haven't you worn other shoes here before?"  (Thinking really hard if I had ever noticed her wearing other shoes)... and she said those were the only shoes she had.  Size 8.  I wear 9 or 9 1/2.  Hmm.  I told her that was a bummer and I wished I could just find some shoes for her.  

I got distracted doing other things and ended up in my office again with this girl.  I glanced at my shoes (Vans, of course) and thought, "I wish I could just give these to her."  Then the light bulb flashed and I remembered I had a pair of running shoes in my car.  So I held out my foot and said, "Hey, do you like these?  Want to try one on?"  She was surprised and said, "Those are Vans!"  Uhh... yeah?  So I took off my shoe (not sure if it would even fit) but she put it right on and said, "It fits."  Sweet!  So I took off my other shoe and handed it over.  She had dingy, saggy white ankle socks on that were all bunched up weird with the Vans, but the shoes looked great.  Her face lit up and I could tell my little act of service had really taken a load of stress off her little 7th grade terrible day.  

I tip-toed around in my socks for a few minutes (feeling super happy about my decision) and finally ran out to my car and grabbed my running shoes.  As I was tying my shoes, this girl came over and said, "Bree... Why do you care about us?"  Such a simple, yet meaningful question.  I told her it's because I want them to be happy, and if there's something I can do to make their lives better, then I'll do it.  She paused for a second, and said, "Oh... well... thank you!" and then she left my office.  I loved that mini-conversation... an opportunity for her to know that I really do care, and it's not an act and it's not my job... it's just me loving people for who they are.  (And just so you know, this girl isn't my most favorite "Club Kid" so it's not like this was anything I had ever considered doing for her before). But my heart was certainly softened.  :)

I share this story not to boast or to put a gold star on my chest.  I just wanted to have this story to look back on and remember.  And to remember the rewarding aspects of my job and working with youth.

P.S.  After work today I bought myself a new pair of shoes.  Vans.  Gray.  Different than the previous ones.  They're stiff and new.  Not comfy and flexible like the others... but they'll find their place in my heart.