Originally Written June 30, 2017 with recent modifications
As I hear the soft trickle of water change to a gush, I wiggle my toes. I realize I can control the different sounds by a mere movement of my feet or wiggling my toes. I turn to see the assembly line row of feet. All types of feet and toes; but mostly little. Unlike mine; our feet, like our hands reflect our life experiences. I watch the face of the woman tending to my pedicure and think of her life experiences in Vietnam. As she looks up she catches me looking intently at her face, we smile, as if we both know (it’s a private female understanding). My feet reflect never wearing shoes during summer, walking over broken glass, unpaved roads, gravel and lots of dirt. With all their bunions and imperfections, I love them and they are mine. I made peace with them a long time ago. They have supported me for 66 years. And, way back when I was very young Mi Mama bought us the shoes she could afford for school. In that time they were cheap shoes from Leed’s or CH Baker at Fulton Mall in Fresno, Ca. Shoes that were so hard and tough, obviously not leather. They cost about $10. to $15. a pair, sure they were colorful and pretty. But, man-made material that did not give, boy did they do a job on my feet. When I was in 3rd grade I finally got a pair of those black & white Oxford shoes.
Awe, relief, so much better, unfortunately much of the damage had already been done that would prevail.
I use to always say and dream of one day buying myself a pair of leather shoes that were soft, pliable, and comfortable. That day came and went many times over and I have been abundantly blessed. And nowadays, whenever I can get a pedicure, you can bet your sweet bippy I am in ecstasy, even if it’s just for an hour. I totally incorporate it into all my being and appreciate. But, even more than a pedicure I prefer foot reflexology.
These are not my feet, although they could be.
Abrazos
