Shoes

Shoes

Special Class

When I was still young, with little to no knowledge about how big the world is, you were there, ready to teach me how to walk.

Little by little, step by step, with my small two feet I walk towards you, I walk closer to the source of that smile, as you embrace me before I even fall, so that I could stay upright with my head up high.

You gave me my first pair of shoes. Back then I can’t tie its laces, for me it’s too complicated. You were there to do it for me, with eyes that are telling me that one day I’ll be doing the same thing on my own. That simple task bonds us together; we walk hand in hand as I begin my long journey through life.

Days passed, as it turns into years. I can tie my shoes on my own. For me it’s an achievement, and you are a very proud father as you praise me for my work. I was excited to stand…on my own.

Not too long, I aged. My world is bigger now than I could ever imagine. I met so many people, who taught me more than you could have. I can tie my shoes faster than you can now, as I walk out first from our home, leaving you behind with a wave of goodbye. Now, I can walk on my own.

I can’t remember the last time you tied my shoes for me. I have tied many shoes on my own, which gets bigger and bigger as years go by. I leave you alone, for you said you have nowhere to go to now. Sometimes, I don’t even say goodbye to you. I have traveled such a long distance, far longer than when we were together walking hand in hand when I was still small. The world revolves so fast, I have to walk faster, farther……for I am on my own.

But one day, I saw you; you are unlike the last time. You can’t tie your own shoes anymore. You are old; too old you can’t bend to reach your feet in ease. It reminded me of my childhood; back when I can’t tie my own shoes. I started to realize, that all I did was to learn to tie my own shoes so that I could walk on my own, farther from you. And thus I opened your shoe box and made you wear your shoes for yet another time, and this time, I’ll be tying it for you. You have thought me to tie shoes very well; I doubt the knot will come loose.

I didn't go to work today. If I were to choose between work and having a day with my father, the answer would be obvious. We walk again, side by side, like when I was still young. It doesn't matter where we go from here, as we exchange stories I missed while I was busy travelling the world.

Yes, you didn't teach me how to tie my shoes so that I can walk on my own farther from you. Instead, you thought me so that one day we could walk side by side like what we are doing right now, close to each other….together.