Shoes

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - I can tell you the EXACT day that I started to care about footwear. And location, if you care.

First, you should know that I never cared much before that. I mean, I've loved looking at pretty shoes since I was little (by that I mean young, I'm kind of tall), but never realized what an important part they play in the crazy world of self-esteem.

My blog featured a little series titled "In her shoes" for the same reason I now love great kicks; very few women like the way they look. Complimenting one's choice of footwear is always safe and reliable.

When I was in chemo, and as recently as this February (when I had my mastectomy), people were frequently looking me up and down, and that was disconcerting.

Oh, you can hardly tell that's a wig? (Really, just by virtue of the fact that you've said that means you can tell. Thanks ever so.)

Oh, you can hardly tell you had surgery. Are you done, or are you going to have implants? (Ok, yes I opted for implants. And I'm actually all done. Again, by you asking I clearly didn't go with a satisfactory increase. Geesh.)

My defense mechanism? Shoes. If you've got some sweet foot candy going on, nobody ever looks at your ... well, anything really. It suddenly goes from a potential discussion of scar tissue, scarf tying or the pros and cons of silicone to something infinitely more yummy.

The quintessential patent-leather-ankle-tie-cork-wedge. Sky high and built for subterfuge. Here's to distractions, and the cancer patient's art of the ruse.

In Her Shoes

ZIONSVILLE, INDIANA - Here on this blog I’ve introduced you to several people who have gone above and beyond to help breast cancer patients across the world. They do so for many reasons; some because they have had a loved one who has suffered, some because they have friends or co-workers struggling with the disease, some just because they never want their children to be the ones to "walk in our shoes." The shoes of a cancer patient are tough to step into, believe me.

This particular group of shoes belongs to some amazing ladies. They have pledged to work as hard as they can to raise funds for research. These gals are active fundraisers, working many months to encourage others to help them with their mission. Last year, they raised over $4,000 in just a few short months. This year, they are on track to surpass that number.

Pretty impressive, isn’t it? Let me tell you the best part. They are all in high school. They are the young, amazing women of the Zionsville High School tennis team, and their lovely coach. They are young enough to not think things like "Oh, I’m just too busy. I’m too tired. I don’t really want to think about cancer research." They just say "We know what is happening right now, and we want to get involved. We want to make a positive change – IN OUR LIFETIME." Thank you, my remarkable ladies, from breast cancer patients worldwide. I hope you never have to walk in our shoes. :)