St. Nicholas Day Eve (an ode to shoes)- 12.5.2014

In Europe, particularly Germany, on the evening of December 5, children put out their shoes for special treats from St. Nicholas.

At 10pm the night before, I was home with my husband Lyn. I got an urgent text from my Mom, who lives (I later learned) 1.4 miles away, that she needed some help. I pulled on my Mickey Mouse Sketchers (bought at Disney World a few years ago when I chaperoned a trip for my son) and drove to my Mothers. She needed some juice opened and some other liquids to help keep her hydrated. After about a half-hour, I left making sure I securely locked the door. So securely – it turns out – that I locked myself out. My keys and phone were inside.

I rang the bell a few times, but to no avail. I knew my Mom was upstairs and without her hearing aides. I walked around her townhouse seeing whether a door was open or there was a way to get in. No luck. So, I began my treck home.

I have never thought i could run, but tonight dressed in just a thin long-sleeved t-shirt and yoga pants, I thought it would be best to jog to work up some warmth. I made my way through her neighborhood jogging and then to the bike path running through Severna Park.

I didn’t want to be plunged into total darkness, so I stayed along the busier street. My shins were sqwalking and my heels hurt, but pressed on. I had to. I walked into our neighborhood which I have walked with our doggie, but this time it felt unfamiliar. It was dark. It was cold. I was tired.

I made it home about 20 minutes later. No coat. No phone. No keys. Fortunately, we had a spare set outside I could use to let myself in.

My sketchers got me home. The next morning, I pulled on some grey sketchers for my Mom on her way to a medical procedure. We spent most of the day together. This was a precious opportunity. We enjoyed a lunch and some browsing of shops in Baltimore.

After a long day, I am now curled up with my husband in a cozy room. On this St. Nicholas Day, my fuzzy slippers are on. I don’t know if St. Nicholas will leave me treats in my shoes tomorrow morning. Upon reflection, I think the day itself was the treat.

Traditions are important. What are some of yours?