BoyWonder and I had a trip to the 'Big Smoke' this week to meet up with Grandma (my Mum) and purchase some WALKING shoes. It was very exciting. Firstly, can I just say that I would highly recommend the store 'Shoes and Sox' at Chermside Shopping Center for anyone who needs to have little feet fitted. The staff were wonderful, and they know how to properly measure feet and choose shoes to accommodate and support growing twinkle toes. They also have a really informative website - and an information freak like me finds this very reassuring.
BoyWonder presents with a catalogue of foot-related issues (including ankle-spasticity, curling toes, turning out and rolling in) and a most unfortunate genetic pre-disposition to outrageously wide and fat feet (inherited from his mother, and otherwise known as 'Nagel feet', or... 'the family curse' as I like to call it). But does this phase the shoe-shop lady? Not a chance foot-fearers! She manages to find a sandal and a sneaker, both stylish and supportive - and one pair at HALF PRICE! BoyWonder couldn't wait to wear his new 'shooshs', and had to be chased down by Grandma before he could run out the door and send me to the lock-up for petty-theft.
After a mid-morning coffee and cake stop (for Grandma and I) and a ceremonial Vegemite smearing (for BoyWonder) he could no longer contain the urge to show off his clogs and started a stroll down the middle of the shopping center. After five or so minutes of insisting, unsuccessfully, that he hold my hand and walk in an appropriate direction (ie. straight), Grandma said, 'Oh, just let him go. It's his first time walking at the shops, he's so proud of himself to be able go where he wants and in his new shoes.' So I did. I let him go. And we followed a short distance behind as he toddled against, around and into the flow of pedestrian traffic, casually but confidently waving to his fellow upright beings, and beaming with pride. As he swaggered and teeter-totted around, an amazing thing happened. People stopped. Not just because if they didn't, they'd trip over him. People smiled. They smiled big smiles. People stopped what they were doing, smiled big smiles and made kind comments, asked questions, and even wanted to share stories about their own children or grandchildren. This little fellow in his little walking shoes was somehow able to bring a little bit of cheer, and some special memories to many people. And I don't think it was purely because of his 'cute factor', I think he was truly radiating joy - and it was rubbing off on those around him.
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