Sep 09 2007
Shoes
When my household goods arrive, there is a tremendous push to get things put away, flatten boxes and discard packing materials. Inevitably, at some point, I run out of energy and can not face another decision about where to put something away. So, piles to trip over sit around in various rooms. One pile that I had been unwilling to face was a giant pile of shoes on my bedroom floor. Upon seeing it, Josiah asked me, “Why do you have so many shoes?”. I told him to look carefully at the pile and rephrase the question, to which he replied, “Why does Dad have so many shoes?” As with the coffee cups, the sheer number of shoes, boots, and sandals that Dale owns can overwhelm any closet. He has 17 pairs. This is after I made him cull his shoes prior to leaving Australia. I told him Josiah’s question about his shoe pile to which he replied that the Army had issued him three pair of boots to go along with the ones he wore to Fort Benning. He also purchased new running shoes in Iraq. I know it could be much worse. My parents neighbor moved out of his house after living there for 30 years. He had 32 coats. His children tried to convince him that he did not need 32 coats, or for that matter 3 anvils. 3 anvils! I can’t imagine living with someone who keeps 3 anvils in the unlikely event that he might need them some day. This ridiculous scene next door has inspired my Mother to clean out her basement and give away all the strange gifts I gave her from my various travels. She asked my (she who throws everything out) permission and I told her to toss it all except for the saber which she can give back to me. You never know when you might need a saber. Probably as often as you need an anvil. She loaded it all up in the car for the Goodwill, but I’m sure she still feels guilty about giving away useless items that have been sitting in the basement for 17 years. Dale’s pile of shoes will be unused for the next 11 months, but they are not useless. They are a constant reminder of how desperately I want him to return safely so I can berate him in person about the number of shoes he owns. He can’t wear them now, however, for he is far far away. When I tell Zeke that Daddy is far far away, he replies “Zeke go far far away!” I wish we could, I really wish we could.
Okay, so in Iraq, I have 4 pairs of boots, 2 pairs of running shoes (New Balance 1061), and a pair of thongs. I’m not going to post a picture of me wearing my thongs. It’s an Aussie thing…
Oh Margaret I am bawling my eyes out, we love you guys and think of you every day. This blog helps us fell like your not gone.. But yet I realize we may possibly never see you again. And yet that is nothing compared to Dale being away from you, hang in there babe, it is just a blink in eternity, and looking back will be easier than looking forward ever is. Big hugs for Zeke please,from Jack (who still asks for him.) Hugs to you too, and forget about getting it all put away for a minute and go weed the garden. Lots of Love Juliet
Jack often asked after Zeke. I told him he was living with Elmo, that was the only thing that placated him.
I do feel quilty. It’s almost like giving away part of the gifter. However I’m still not quite sure what to do about the gnome. Mom
You can mail the gnome to me. I need something to decorate the entry to my trailer!
Watch out Margaret, looks like Dale might start collecting gnomes! Wonder if you can get one to hold your saber.
I read this post in the office at my desk. I had to check myself as I read the end of the post.
Gee, my right hand man, was talking to his family on the phone recently. His son (5 years old) asked him “Daddy, are you behind the door? Can I open the door and give you a big hug?”.
I’m moving Gee up to my Dahuk office, which is where he is from before emigrating to the US many years ago. His wife and kids just moved back to Dahuk from Tennessee so they could be in the same country at least. He was very excited to tell his wife about the upcoming move. He’s decided to surprise his son. His face lights up when he talks about being with his family again.
I don’t plan on taking all of my boots home with me!
Hey Mugs, just got your mail today and its great to reconnect with you again. It has been some time. I’m loving reading all these stories. Hi Dale!!!
Laura told me she thought that you were state-side and that Dale was deployed. I just kept hoping I’d hear from you soon. Will try to give you a call sometime this week.
lOVE YA AND MISS YA
Dale, or should I say Imelda Marcos, what is with the shoes. I dont think we have 17 between the 5 of us. Now hockey skates are a different story.
tee hee
Dale, my brother, you have more pairs of shoes than i do. ….ofcourse just recently i got rid of several pairs to the needy…..which in this case is not YOU
anyhoo…i can tell my friends that my brother has more shoes than his sister
love you….