It’s in the little things, the joy. The other day I got to wear heels. My close friends can attest to my love of all shoes pointy or tall – not always comfy or easy to take care of. Just pretty. That’s how I used to like my shoes. Then I got pregnant, and I didn’t want to risk falling. So I eventually switched to Practical, looking forward to the day I would return to Just Pretty. When I had E. I think I tried for one entire day to wear my old shoes, but I realized quickly that it just wasn’t going to work – juggling a baby, car seat, and diaper bag, I needed all the balance I could muster. Which required flat, comfy shoes – nothing too distracting to walk in or too high-maintenance to take care of. E. eventually got old enough to walk on her own, but with J. deployed I rarely went anywhere without her, and when I did I was usually on a mission to accomplish 42 things in 2 hours.
But J. has returned. And I get to wear impractical shoes once again. I wore them the other night to a coffee, and again today at church. I’m not always in a hurry anymore. And I’m actually enjoying free time again. Especially the free time we spend together. I was relating this to a friend – how truly happy I have been these past two weeks. And not because of any one thing in particular; in fact, the joy has been in all the little things. We carved a pumpkin and toasted seeds. J. & I sucked helium from his welcome-home balloons (haven’t done that in a while). We took E. to her first movie. J. came home at lunch and the three of us went to coffee down the street. And today I got to wear pretty, pointy suede heels (admittedly, not the 3-inch wedges and heels I used to sport, but just as pointy).
Don’t get me wrong; I found many ways to carve out free time during the deployment. And E. and I had a lot of fun together this past year. I am thankful for the bonding time we shared. J’s return hasn’t meant things are perfect. We’re all still adjusting and we’ve had a few minor skirmishes; J. and I have a lot to negotiate and a whole uncertain future to try to plan. But we’re together as a whole family again. And it makes all the difference. I am happy and complete and thankful. I wish I could bottle this up. I hope I don’t have to. I hope this is just my new attitude.
While I’m on the subject of being thankful, I should note here that I have been truly touched that you’ve taken the time to email or comment on this blog – all along and especially around J’s homecoming. I expected blogging to be an outlet for both my thoughts and my creativity. I didn’t really expect to become part of a community. It’s been a pleasant surprise. Your well-wishes and exclamation points made this past few weeks all that more giddy and special. I really mean that. Thanks.
Air Jordan says
Music is like a little girl, which can soothe our wounds. So let us feel the music, it’s just one of our family members.
**Crystal** says
Karen, I remember that vividly about Ft Drum – I was mortified. Its part of the reason that, even if I was working 8 hours on a concrete floor at the tv station, I’d still wear my tall shoes if it was good weather. I wasn’t wasting a single day on practical shoes that I didn’t have to – and even then there were times I wore ugly shoes and changed into pretty ones at work!
Karen says
I love your pointy shoes! I am upset because up here I can only wear impractical shoes for 7 months out of the year. Strut on with your pointy shoes and your bad self.
stephanie (sar) says
i’m so glad to see you’re wearing pointy shoes again 🙂 i can relate…last night i went to a movie and out to coffee with a friend and it was HEAVENLY…all the while knowing dh was at home watching the kids 🙂 what a wonderful feeling to come home to all of them together…and not have to pay the babysitter and take her home! ha! thanks for writing this post…it reminds me a lot of my own feelings…it’s nice to know there are others out there who feel the same 🙂 have a good thanksgiving!
deb says
I am thankful you can wear the heels again!
That is great news – YOur home coming sounds wonderful, relaxing and just what you and the family need.. Happy Thanksgiving – BTW, your lounge pants are awesome. You are one talented girl!
Mom says
Pointy shoes will one day go the same way of big bangs! But then, I was a glutton for punishment in shoes “back in the day” myself… it’s a girl thing 🙂
Glad you’re all enjoying the honeymoon (((hugs)))
Have a happier-than-ever Thanks-giving Day!
love, mom
Erin says
The old C. is back. We all thought you were crazy wearing those crazy shoes on concrete floors during a membership drive. I’m practical and always will be and you know how my husband feels about the witch shoes, he he. Glad things are going well and you have time to yourself and free time. Have a wonderful and well deserved Thanksgiving together!
Love ya