Daddy's Shoes

Daddy's Shoes

Painting by Vyacheslav Shevchenko

Today when I picked up my running shoes from the closet I noticed the laces had been finished off with a double knot. I don't do that.Then, I remembered my son had brought his two children over for a visit Thursday afternoon. That evening we had a bonfire to make s'mores. At one point in the activities Bud, my son, had dropped down to his knee to tie one of my shoes. That must have been when it happened.

Parents of youngsters often use the double knot when tying shoes. I had used the technique on his shoes many times, what seemed like only a few years ago. He was doing for me what I had done for him. I'm a very lucky man. I have children who are very thoughtful, kind and loving in the way they treat me. Many times they are 
almost excessive in their thoughtfulness. And, believe me when I say, there is no balance sheet. Each of us gives, what to us, is whole, rich and comforting. More importantly, we give what we have time to give and what we believe in. 

I don't like everything I get from my children but, I know where a lot of it came from. And to their credit, they have filtered out a good bit of the chaff.

©Herb Ratliff 7/20/2014