Four sisters and a brother, standing in front of my grandmother’s house in Van Nuys, California. Headed to church, no doubt, on a break from my father’s tent revivals.
See how I’m posing for the camera, as if I own the frame? It’s not like me to take the spotlight, and it wasn’t back then. But I was pulled from the shadows that morning by a pair of Mary Janes.
I was the middle child in a very large family. With scarcely enough money for the essentials, we were forced to rely on the kindnesses of strangers: love offerings, dropped into the collection plate, tuna casseroles and cast-offs. Shoes were expensive, so it was a relief when we could finally replaced our pinchy shoes with ones that fit. Hand-me-downs, most often, or dusty oxfords, pulled from a bargain bin. Sturdy lace-ups, so they’d last.
But those glossy buckle-ups…oh my! They were magic slippers.
I was just a child, so I didn’t realize then what I know now: They were also a wild extravagance, purchased with a widow’s pension. It was my Nana’s way of doing things, this gift. Subtle, but symbolic in the best possible ways. “Let your little light shine,” she’d always tell me. Shine like the sun’s reflection in those patent leather shoes.
And you most definitely shine every day.
Beautiful story.
I had two pairs of magical patent leather shoes – a delicious dark blue pair and a happy yellow pair – which were reserved for birthdays and church.
About 15 years ago I tried to find loafer patent leather shoes to revive that magical feeling. Only ones I could find were very expensive driving shoes. Right after that the huge patent leather trend took off.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Your one foot forward was foretelling of a life of adventure and experiences without boundaries. Always looking ahead because as a very good friend of mine has told me “Tomorrow morning will be the start of a new beginning!”
Sweet picture. As a preachers daughter I can relate. Always in church. I told my kids ” I’ve slept on more church benchs than you’ll ever see?ha
Lovely picture and memories of your grandmother.