Marilyn Monroe once said, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” A few years ago, I was dating this guy and we were getting to a point where the relationship was either going to get more serious, or we were going to break up. We broke it off, and days later, we both realized we had made a mistake. He invited me to dinner the next day, which was a Friday, and then I didn’t hear from him again. Instead, he spent the weekend away with another woman and sent me a text message on that Sunday telling me he didn’t want to see me again. In the meantime, I had gone out and bought a special outfit and what would become a symbolic pair of shoes- red high heels- for the date that never happened. Months later, I saw him at a charity event with his new flame and guess what I was wearing? That’s right. Those red high heels. I made a point to say hi to him and we made small talk, most of which was him asking me about my amazing new job. As I turned to walk away, I heard him say, “I like those shoes.” I spun around, not believing what I had heard, and also not believing that he had just handed me my signature moment on a silver platter. I looked deep into his brown eyes, kicked back my left foot, and shouted to him across the crowded room, “Thanks. They’re my favorite.” I spun around and never looked back. That, my friends, is how the legend of the red high heels was born.
Since the day I bought those shoes from the Macy’s clearance aisle, they have become a symbol of my independence, perseverance, and courage. They have been with me through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and my friends know that when the red heels are on, something is about to happen. Like when a super hero ties on their cape, I know that when I wear my red high heels, I can do anything. They were with me the night I introduced one of my best friends to her future husband, and they carried me the day I delivered the eulogy at my grandfather’s funeral. They comforted me on a date I didn’t want to go on, but only did because I was trying to forget about my ex, and danced with me at a conference after-party with new friends who would become lifelong friends. They’ve supported me in important work meetings, and they’ve celebrated with me after successful speaking engagements. I have worn them to job interviews, galas, and on dates. One time, I even grabbed them when I thought I heard an intruder breaking in at 2am, figuring the heel was the best weapon I had. Thankfully, the shattering glass I heard was only the giant mirror over the fireplace crashing on the floor. (Note to self, NEVER, ever hang a heavy mirror with Command Strips. Since then, you’ll be happy to know that I’ve discovered Monkey Hooks. I’m pretty good with a drill and screws, but I can never find the studs, even with a stud finder. Correction: I find studs when I don’t want to find them, like when I’m trying to jam a Monkey Hook into sheetrock.)
My red high heels are fun, sassy, beautiful, and bold, just like me. Their sheen radiates even when they’ve been kicked around a bit, and their scuff marks tell the story of how they once trudged through an uneven, rocky path in the middle of a thunderstorm as they were desperately trying to get out of the rain after a date with a man who would never become my husband. My friends and family all know the legend of the red high heels, and have since given me red high heel wine holders, wall hangings, coffee mugs, a necklace, and several other ornamental pieces to remind me of my courage and boldness.
My red high heels have been a source of strength, comfort, and inspiration. They will even stand with me as I marry those friends I introduced while I was wearing them six years ago (I’m the officiant!). Soon, those magical heels will leave their place on my closet shoe rack behind, retiring to a donation bin where I hope they will bring a little magic to another woman just as they have to me. Their memories will never be forgotten, and I will forever owe a debt to a pair of shoes I bought on clearance. But before you get all teary-eyed and think that the legend of the red high heels is over, it’s not; actually, it’s just beginning, because the next pair of shiny red high heels are now sitting on that shoe rack, eagerly waiting their first opportunity to make some magic. š
Shoulders back and heels on, ladies!
-C
The C-Word 