“I got you a pair too!”
A couple weeks prior, Chris had picked up some awesome red hiking shoes at the Timberland outlet mall, and when he saw how much I liked his pair, he surprised me by picking up another set so we could be twins-ies.
I love these shoes. I like to watch people’s faces as I walk through an office to see that moment when they notice them (they almost always do). Usually a slight flinch as they register the bright color, and then they look at me and smile.
“Nice shoes”
“Thanks!”
Red shoes have been a part of my life since that day, and I think of Chris every time I put them on. They represent fun, laughter, not taking yourself too seriously and selfless friendship. I never would have had the guts to buy my first pair. I needed a friend like Chris to show me that I needed some heavily discounted Red Timberland Hiking Shoes on my feet, and in my soul.
Those single pair of red shoes has been a constant thread in my life since that day, and though I have had to replace them over the years, the color has always stayed the same.
It is hard to explain what it was like to have Chris in my life, how much he helped me, and how much I miss him now. I am a better person because of Chris’ love and I will always feel more real wearing red shoes.
