Two Sides of Me

I believe a person's choice of shoes can say a lot about him/her. I have made two recent purchases (thanks to Sally S. who sent me a Christmas gift with the instructions to pamper myself) that I think reflect two sides of me post-transplant.

The first purchase is a pair of fuchsia, fleece lined clogs. Why does this reflect a side of me? Well, two years ago, I wouldn't have been caught dead in these shoes (too ugly, too fuchsia, too attention getting in a negative way), but the last two years have changed me.

During one of my hospitalizations, a nurse recommended I get a pair of Crocs for in the hospital because they are comfy, easy to get on and off, and can be cleaned and disinfected easily. I took her advice and ordered some Trellos from Land's End. They became my favorite shoes! They are very comfortable and that is really all that matters. In the last two years I have really had to put aside my vanity and just get practical and comfy. So this latest purchase reflects my new freedom in not worrying about what others think and just caring about my comfort.

My second purchase is a pair of beautiful black pumps. That is a huge jump from Fuchsia clogs, but it represents my desire to get my feminine back. I have been so sick for so long, that I have forgotten how great it feels to put on a gorgeous outfit, fix my hair, make up my face, and feel beautiful! For my birthday I got an outfit from a store called White House/Black Market (as I understand it, that is one of Michelle Obama's favorite stores as well!), but didn't have a sexy, cute pair of shoes to go with it. When I saw these in the catalog, I just had to have them. Of course, with my swollen feet, I have not been able to try them out, but I know when I do, I will feel so feminine and beautiful (something I haven't felt in a long time).

So, that is how two pairs of shoes can reflect two very real sides of me. Thank you Sally for giving me the freedom to pamper myself in such special ways! My love to you all! Nancy