A Lesson in Life - Mom and the Bostonians

"He can be taught," is an American cliché aimed at a person who exclaims he's discovered something ordinarily known by the common person. No specific time-frame is required for such an exclamation, or such a response. Sometimes the realization of a matter can take a lifetime.

The Time

Since most people are inclined to accept the word of others over that of their own family members, it should be no surprise that sometimes a child can come to appreciate the direction of his parents only long after he becomes an adult.

The Place

Shopping with "The Wife" in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a routine event for this grizzled old man of 61. A visit to the Post Office, CVS Pharmacy, McDonald's, Pet Supplies Plus, Wal Mart, and Bodo's Bagels is not an abnormal occurrence. Oh, did I fail to mention we also stopped at Rack Room Shoes?

The Event

Yes, Rack Room Shoes is the place, and the event is the purchase of shoes for "yours truly." I needed a pair of everyday shoes, but as it turns out, there was a sale on at RRS, so I would also obtain a pair of dress shoes. Now most guys don't like shopping. They want to go in, see, pay, and leave-quickly! I'm "most guys" when it comes to that. Unfortunately, the saleslady sides with my wife, and I must try on various brands and styles of shoes.

What Happened

After my grunting and groaning over my displeasure, I looked up and spotted... Bostonian. Did I say I am 61? That's wrong. I seem to be experiencing some kind of flashback.

I'm a young teenager, and I hear a voice in my ear say "Rusty, I want you to go to the shoe store and pick out a pair of shoes. I expect you to buy a pair of Bostonians. Don't get any other brand. Those are the shoes that fit you. I want you to buy Bostonians. Do you understand?

My Thinking

'Aw, almost none of the other kids get Bostonian shoes-why do I have to wear them?' I'm tired of wearing the same old thing all the time. Why can't Mom let me do the things other kids do? Rusty, I don't want you wearing blue jeans. Rusty, we don't eat peanut butter. Rusty this. Rusty that.

As always, I bought the Bostonians.

Back to the Present

It's forty-five years since I went shopping for Bostonian shoes. My eyes must be deceiving me. Maybe another company with the same name? No, that can't be-it must be correct. These are Bostonian shoes. They are the same brand as my mother made me buy. Oddly, I'm no longer in control. I must reach up and grab the box.

Sitting down, I pull out the left shoe, unlace it, stretch it open, and put it on my stocking foot. It's like... Cinderella. It fits! It's the Golden Slipper.

Outcome

Yes, I walked out of the store with a pair of "ordinary shoes." However, in the store bag I also carried the pair of Bostonian dress shoes. I can't believe what transpired. Today I learned what my mother was telling me. She was telling me she knew everything about me and she wanted what was best for me. I should never have questioned her in my mind at all. I wish she was here so I could tell her I've learned.

Yes, even though it took forty-five years, it can honestly be said of me, "He can be taught."