It was mid summer and I was playing on the side of the road, barefoot and looking for rocks. We lived in the city a few blocks from a school, a playground and the mall.
A stranger came up to me and asked me where my shoes were. I told her that I only had 1 pair and they were to be used for Church, School or shopping. I have a large family and we share clothing. It didn't matter to me, I was clothed! I was fed! I had a roof and people who loved me. Nothing else mattered.
She stood there grinning at my response. "Do you want to go to the mall with me?" Without hesitation I jumped up and off we went. It was only a few blocks away and I knew mum was inside busy so off I went.
Londonderry mall, north Edmonton. The Hudson's Bay. I was really excited. She took me to the shoe department. Next thing I knew I was trying on different shoes, all colors and types.
We walked back home. I had 3 boxes with new shoes! A red pair of dress shoes, sandals and runners. I gave her the biggest hug a 5 year old could, said thank you and asked if I could go get my mum. She said yes and I ran into the house. Mum was stunned, upset that I left with a complete stranger. By the time we came outside, she had left.
I've not seen her since but that memory has stuck inside me and created change. I started to become aware. Not of what I wanted personally but how change can affect someone.
Now, with the memory embedded in me I recall that memory with great fondness, faith and compassion. I still don't need much, doing my best to live in the moment and paying it forward. Family and friends are what I hold closest and I do my best to create change. I watch it unfold in front of me. Gratitude is my biggest emotion and I plan to watch change happen each and every single day.
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