Women Over Fifty—The Joys of an Old Pair of Shoes
Funny thing. Perhaps because my skin is a lot looser than it once was, I feel far more comfortable in it. Maybe it’s a little like breaking in a new pair of shoes as I remember from an early, leathery life lesson.
As a child, each September I would get a new pair of school shoes. Not wanting to mar these stunning saddle oxfords in any way, I tried to walk without bending my toes. This feat was no easy task. Adding to this challenge was the fact that I had to walk several blocks to and from elementary school each day. Needless to say, my effort at unbending ambulation created some difficulties, not to mention teasing from onlookers. So, I finally gave up and let the lines form where they may. I found, however, that as the leather softened and the creases and scuffmarks became more apparent, my not-so-new school shoes grew much more comfortable.
I liken this childhood realization to the scuffed, creased body that I now inhabit and its all-too-visible similarity to my old oxfords. Despite its well-worn veneer, I have finally grown to appreciate my body for its years of service, and celebrate this wonder of nature in all its aging glory. (Okay, I confess, I mean mostly—there are moments when the marring is magnified and the mirror is most definitely not my friend. It is at these times that I calmly and maturely count my blessings and leave the fitting room—post haste!)
Yes, it’s true that aging leaves its evidence upon our flesh and, as women, acknowledging this is no picnic. But the real secret of growing older, for many of us, is that the years past fifty are our happiest and most fulfilling. (Who, in the psychedelic sixties would have ever guessed we’d be so fabulous in our sixties?)
At the very least, we’ve earned each of one those creases and there’s nothing more comfortable than the realization that our lives have been full and rich—I’d say that’s worth a few scuffmarks any day!
Posts
November 1st, 2008 at 5:41 pm
As a child I remember getting new shoes from my Godmother. I would wear them out quickly without regard to taking care of them in the right way. My Godmother had a chat with me and told me that if I did not start taking care of my shoes I wouldn’t get anymore from her.
This reminds me now of the need for me to take care of my body, not to run it out. Sure, I can get a few new parts here and there but I need to be careful and treat it right in this season of powerful possibilities. I am,forever, thankful to my Godmother, Evola Hawkins, for that lesson that would later impact me.
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I had navy blue oxfords to go with my stunning navy blue Mercymount Country Day School uniform…and white Peter Pan collar blouse. While the shoes comfortable, those who didn’t go to Mercymount would tease us. If they didn’t tease us about the shoes it was about the potato-sacklike uniform. I wouldn’t go back to those years in elementary or junior high school — but I’d love to find a pair of those oxfords
October 18th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Oh my what memories! I remember Saddle Shoes, and Buster Brown Shoes, also “PF Flyers”, and US Keds, and my all time favorite “Penny Loafers”
Fun post 
Claudia
October 18th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Thanks for the laugh and the memories!
October 18th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Eileen - this is a great analogy for how we become more comfortable with ourselves as we get older! My old shoe body may be a bit worn, torn and have a few holes in it’s “soul” but it is softer, more pliable while being durable and a totally comfortable fit to who I have become!
I see my body as a comfy pair of hand-painted, high heeled sneakers with a bit of a squeak when I walk, lol!
BTW - Ms. Joyce and I have plans for you . . . . .
October 18th, 2008 at 5:19 am
Oh, you are so funny. I got the best mind picture of you trying to walk without bending your toes. Oh my, it’s just laugh out loud funny.
Eileen, you never cease to make me laugh or smile. And lately, I can use all the chuckles I can get. You go girl.
October 17th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I’m with you, Eileen. I wouldn’t trade all the beauty of youth for the wisdom and emotional freedom of being a boomer in full bloom. All the annoyances and sometimes challenges of aging aside, these are the best years of my life.
October 17th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I remember the school shoes, too. I never owned a pair of saddle oxfords, but I remember the Buster Browns I had.
If more women would get comfortable in their own skin, they would be a whole lot happier.
Your story was well-written and enjoyable, Eileen.
October 17th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
What a wonderful metaphor for our aging bodies! You made me believe that it’s okay to have the “matronly” body I see in the bathroom mirror.
Now, about those saddle shoes. I went to Catholic School and wore those tan and brown saddled shoes for years. I actually wrote a short story about my mission to destroy one pair (almost impossible) to get a pretty pair of “Mary Jane” black patent leather ones. Someday, I’ll have to share that story.
October 17th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
You had the old black and white saddle oxfords too, huh? We wore them as cheerleaders and I actually kept mine as a reminder of the days when I could wear a size 5 shoe and a size 3 dress.
October 17th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I turn fifty next year. Thanks for this post. It gives me hope that some day I will feel comfortable in my more crinkly, flabbier, looser skin along with my stiffer muscles.
October 17th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Thanks for writing this.
I have a few friends who have started the botox route and to me the worn “well-leathered” look is so much more natural looking.
That’s me–a comfortable pair of old shoes. LOL
Bear((( )))