Prior to the 26th Annual Kohl’s Shopping Spree event, Northern Valley Catholic Social Services came to visit us.
We were informed of how this helps children as they return to school for a new year. A few laughable moments of what the children perceive to be important to them and what they actually need. Like who cares about underwear and socks. Yet those are part of the list and not toys.
The lady did mention about a young girl wanting to wear her new shoes out of the store. Her feet were cramped into shoes that no longer fit. It reminded me of how children’s feet grow when you are not looking. When I was a teenager I had penny loafers and the side seams had unraveled. The day I didn’t wear them my dad took the pair to the shoe repair shop. The penny loafers looked great, all stitched up and a nice coat of polish. I felt really bad, but I couldn’t put my foot in them. I think my parents learned a lesson that day. If the shoes are falling apart, it is for a very good reason.
The trouble is for a young child with only one pair of shoes, their feet adjust as they have no opportunity to stretch out. Wow, that must hurt to be limited to what your feet have to endure with being uncomfortable. It makes me wonder how many children have really outgrown their shoes and yet we look at what they are wearing on the rest of their bodies. We think of shoes wearing out on the soles, but that is not the whole picture. Kids can grow rapidly and soon not only their clothes are too small but shoes are also. They might still look good and not fit.
It has given me a new appreciation for simple things we all take for granted in our lives. My daughter’s feet grew and we got new shoes for her, not just at the beginning of a new year, but whenever she needed some. To those just trying to get by and feeding the family is top priority, other things take a back seat and one of those is clothing.
Steven Brooks from Sleep in Heavenly Peace came to visit us and gave us an update on all the beds being made around the country. Very impressive of what is happening. And he is thinking about joining our Lions.
Here is the gallery of the visit. Click on any photo to enlarge.
