In a recent unexpected cold spell for this time of year, I delved into the bottom of my wardrobe and retrieved my old slippers to warm my cold feet. I took a moment to study them.
No longer a fashion item, old and a little grey. They had a few splits here and there, not able to hold their shape as well as they once did; the lambs wool inside worn in a few places letting in the occasional draught of cool air.
I think I should replace them, and then I put them on my feet. ‘Ahhh’ - the comfort, the familiarity of something that fits so well; that moulds to the contours of my feet.
The slippers and I have a lot of history. They have walked a lot of miles with me, getting up to babies in the winter. Not being able to get out of the house with babies and wearing them continuously for days. Falling asleep on the bed with my feet still in them, knowing my restful reprieve would only be brief until the call of a new baby that makes you spring to your feet before you even know what you are doing.
My friend calls past and we have a coffee to warm us. Our conversation topic discusses that my husband and I are soon to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.
She asks what that is like. I tell her he has been my boyfriend for 25 years too.
My mind’s eye casts a picture of that moment I first laid eyes on him and then to the man he is now.
No longer a fashion item, a little old and grey. Not quite holding his shape as well as he once did. The splits that sometimes appear causing a cold draught on my heart. The way his hands fit comfortably into mine, the familiar cuddle, the wry smile when he is trying not to laugh at me.
I look down at my feet and realise the similarities between my husband and my slippers.
I answer my friend with “It 's like wearing your favourite old pair of slippers.”
She looks at my quizzically wanting more detail. For all the new shoes you might wear - some look glamorous, others are just fashionable even though you just can't wait to take them off or the only pair you can find even though you don't like them.
But the old slippers are always there, ready to warm you on a cold day, to relax you. They are reliable, always there when you need them. That feeling of ‘aahh’ as you slip them on, they just fit perfectly.
My husband and I have walked many miles together in life. We have shared so much and are still walking forward raising our sons together.
The road is neither flat nor mountainous, somewhere in between. It has its ups and downs but through it all I have my trusted companion who bends and shapes to me so well.
I find that the longer that we have been married the love deepens as we have grown to spend more time comforting each other rather than antagonising one another.
So ladies - hang in there in those bumpy early years of partnership if the love and respect for each other still exists. Those shiny new slippers will one day feel so good, and there is no way that you will ever want a new pair ever again.
Happy Anniversary to my husband of 20 years, and boyfriend of 25 years. Thank you for our children, and the wonderful job you do as their father. Thanks most of all for remaining my best friend. We have done so many things together and still have so much more to share.
I look forward to the next twenty years hanging out with my bestie. Thanks for being the comfort and joy in my life and forever warming my sole oops, I mean soul.
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