Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Short Story: In Her Shoes

    In Her Shoes
     by: Joi Maree Flowers


    As far back as I can remember, as a little girl, beginning around the age of two, my small sized feet would often find their way into my Mama's shoes; shoes that of course could not fit me at the time. Whether they were flats, sneakers, flip flops, or high heels, I put on every shoe she had. Those high heels of hers were my absolute favorite because when I would put them on, they would make me feel like I was being just like her when I stood tall in them.
Joi Maree Flowers

    And though I loved her high heels, wearing them was always challenging. I could only stand in them for a minute before my balance gave up on me, leading me to collapse; and every time when I tried to walk in them, I would take about two steps and without fail, tumble to the ground. Mama would laugh and while picking me up would say,"Don't worry baby. You'll be able to walk in them one day." I asked "When?" and she just replied, "One day baby, one day."

    I thought that "one day" would be when I grew up to be an adult like she; but I would later find out in my adult life that walking in her shoes would take on a whole other meaning than that of the literal. Mama's shoes were more than just shoes; their worn wear told the story of the journey that she walked in them.

    It began with the mornings which were always early. Starting around 5 am with prayer, meditation, showering, ironing clothes, getting dressed, then making breakfast; all done before I was awakened. Then she would prepare me for the day once she got me up. After dropping me off at school, she would make her way to a job that she did not enjoy going to. This I knew because she often expressed her dislike of it. However, she endured so we as a family would not go without.
   
    The evenings were always better. School was over and work was done, well her 9 to 5 at least. We would go home and have "our time". She would cook and let me assist her with preparing our meal,
help me complete my homework, have me bathe, and then we'd watch a little TV before she led me off to bed. We shared a lot of fun and laughs. That's just how we were and we loved every moment of it.     
    And then there were the nights, those many nights when often her slumber was deprived as she sat in her room planning the next day. Sometimes when I would get up to use the bathroom, I'd notice the light coming from under her bedroom door. I would sit by her closed door with my ear pressed against it, and I would hear her crying, all the while wondering why. I would either walk away and go back to bed or knock on the door and she would answer the door with a smile so I could come in, with no sign of the cry on her face that I'd just heard shortly before.

     Mama, my strong Mama, who made life seem so bright and joyful in my eyes, I found out walked a very rugged road of life's path so that I wouldn't. From 'robbing Peter to pay Paul,' to borrowing sugar from the neighbor next door so we could at least make kool-aid to drink, to walking to and from her destinations when there was no car to be driven, and then the times when paying a light bill meant using a bag full of pennies. She did what she had and needed to do. Though sometimes burdened and ashamed, as she later recounted how she'd felt, she never did let me witness with my eyes the true depth of her pain.

    She sometimes had to wear shoes with holes in the soles and the same outfit three times in one week because it was all she had and could afford. I, her only child, was her priority and responsibility to provide for first, and then herself, if only there was some change left. As I grew older, I began to see through her eyes her struggles; struggles that made me appreciate the woman who God gave me to call Mama.

    A woman of strength, faith, courage, and love, Mama was, and still is. A perfect role model for me to emulate; and an example of the role model I hope to become for the daughter that I'll one day be blessed with. Never could I have imagined that a journey such as hers could be walked and the struggles that were put up against her overcame. It took great endurance to walk a path with so many uncertain yesterdays to be able to arrive at the door of today's joy. I am proud to say that my Mama made it through.

    The other day, I put on a pair of my Mama's shoes and finally my feet fit in them perfectly. Admiring my reflection in the mirror as I stood in those high heels that I always adored as a child and could now wear, I remembered Mama, that strong woman who stood in them, and the distant journey they'd been walked in. And I heard her words, "Don't worry baby. You'll be able to walk in them one day" in my ear. A tear ran down my face. I took off her shoes and placed them back in her closet and while walking away, I found myself speaking her long ago replies to my constant questions of "When?...," "One day baby, one day." I now know what she meant as that "one day" that has still yet to come will one day arrive for me. Although her shoes fit my feet now, I have a long way to go before I can stand and walk in them.

Every little girl hopes to one day walk in her Mother's shoes.

30 comments:

  1. Great work Joi M. Flowers!!! Congratulations on your launch and a big happy birthday from the annoying little sister you've never had!! You will be blessed and prosperous....and during your properity...I will continue to get on your nerves!!!

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  2. I enjoyed reading this short story Joi, the message here is really inspiring regarding how to remain content in all things as a woman. Though I am not a woman I do appreciate the woman's worth. Be encouraged with faith in all your endeavors and one day like your "Mama" said you'll walk in her shoes and continue that great legacy.

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    1. Thank you Felton. I am glad that you found this piece inspiring. Please visit my site again as more pieces are on the way.

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  3. What a wonderful story we all can relate to in every area of life. I must say it was done in excellent taste also; your heart was shown in every sentence. You had an amazing ability as a child to decern the importance of order that life requires as a woman, which the reader was able to see very clear.

    Happy Birthday babie girl and may this be just the begining of many taleted readings from you that will spark fame and fortune.

    Best regards,
    Mama Tee

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    1. I am thrilled that you found this piece to be inspiring to you. Please visit my page again for more of my works. Thank you

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  4. I really enjoyed reading this Ms. Joi, very heartfelt!!! I plan on reading this to my girls tonight; often they don't know are understand what we go through as parents in order to make their lives better and I think this story does just that. Love it....keep doing positive things.
    God Bless
    Love your counsin,
    ~Danielle~

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    1. Thank you for your support Danielle. I am also excited to know that you are planning on sharing this piece with your daughters. Please continue to visit my site as more pieces are on the way.

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  5. Awesome story. I look forward to more

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    1. Thank you for supporting my dream. Please continue to visit this site as there are more pieces on the way.

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  6. Love, love, love. Looking forward to reading many more.

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    1. Marion, more pieces are definitely on the way. Please continue to visit this site. Thank you for your support.

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  7. I enjoyed reading every word!!!!! Very inspiring and truly heart felt. Simply amazing Joi...thank you for sharing.
    Happy Birthday and Congrats again.



    Love you lots,
    Vashann

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    1. I am happy that you enjoyed this piece Vashann. Please continue to visit as the best from me is yet to come. Thank you

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  8. Well written and a pleasure to read...You have a very special mother and a exceptionally bright future, god bless u always. Justin Thomas

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    1. Thank you for taking the time out to support my dream Justin. Please continue to visit as there are more pieces on the way.

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  9. I thank you all for your support and encouraging words. The best is yet to come.

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    1. Joi, you are an amazing woman,just like your mother. She has always been my best friend and I have always looked up to her. She is still an amazing woman and God will continue to bless you both. Your story was very well written my dear. I tried not to shead tears, but it was hard. It is a blessing when our children appreciate what loving, God-fearing parents scarafice everyday for them. I love you sweet heart. Please continue to write. The saga must continue!

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    2. Pop Brown Joi job well done.

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    3. Thank you for your support. Please continue to visit my site as the best from me is yet to come.

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    1. I am glad that you enjoyed this piece Robin. Please continue to visit this site as more pieces are on the way. Thank you for your support.

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  11. Joi, this is beautiful! I am so happy and proud of you. I pray that God will continue to bless you and I look forward to more! P.S., you have inspired me to pursue a dream of mine.

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    1. Thank you for your support and encouraging words Shelby. I am also overjoyed that I was able to inspire you to purse your own dreams as I too was inspired by someone to pursue mine. Just believe and it will be. I wish you nothing but the best. Please continue to visit my blog site as the best from me is yet to come.

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  12. Joi This Is A Beautiful Story, I Look Forward To More Of Your Writing :)

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    1. Thank you so much for supporting my dream Samantha. The best from me is yet to come so please continue to visit my site.

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  13. Beautiful! Your words are so touching and absolutely beautiful, dear Joi.

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    1. Thank you for supporting my dream. Please continue to visit my site as more of my work is on the way

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  14. Wow...this reminds me so much of myself raising my daughter as a single parent! Got tears in my eyes!!!

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    1. Thank you for supporting my dream Tameka. I am glad to know that in a positive way, I have touched your soul. Please continue to visit as the best of my work is yet to come.

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