Shoes

Wrote to my MA cousins, Liz & E. They are fine, no particular damage, or not more than from a fairly strong storm. A few exchanges, then she writes me this:

"Shit happens, right? I dragged E. off to a tai chi open house today - tai chi, food, tea, meditation. Took our shoes off on the landing when we went in. OK.

Went to leave and E's sneakers were MISSING!!! Along with his custom orthotics, new after his knee replacement. So much for peace and meditation! I drove E home in his socks and he wouldn't come in the fish market with me. OK, so the floor was wet and they all had boots on.

I sent out an email to the invite list when we got home, with a plea for restoration so that E won't walk funny! Within a half hour, we got a call from contrite Larry who had noticed that the shoes he put under his piano looked a bit unfamiliar. So, I ask you, what guy really notices his shoes, especially if he didn't buy them himself?? So we're meeting Larry down at the diner tomorrow. We can't even do a hostage exchange cuz Larry's shoes are still at N's dojo LOL.

All's well that ends well. Namaste."

I wouldn't walk through a fish market in my socks, either. Dear E. First met him as Liz's newish spouse at Uncle W's funeral. Adored him instantly. Didn't see him for nearly three decades, saw him again when we went to Boston, and he was just the same, with the same place in my heart.

That my parents refused to attend their wedding because Liz divorced her first husband seems petty beyond all belief, now, and then. Times have changed and the Catholics are what they are, but this is Liz and E! How lacking in compassion. Even my dear, devoutly Catholic Aunt Evelyn, didn't have it in her to snub Liz on her (better) wedding day, attended, supported, loved.

Anyway, E is the kind of very tall guy that children instinctively climb on for joy, and run to when they are hurt, and young women hug, and middle age men embrace with affection, even if he does have terrible taste in beer.