The Good Luck Shoes

Entrance

 

My shoes and clothes were shattered outside my closet as I tried to reorganize it. I was trying things on, putting the summer clothes in front and the winter clothes in back, and deciding what to "keep or let go", when the phone rang.

I heard Annie's housekeeper on the other end, she greeted me with a quick, "Bonjour" then went on to say she did not want to bother me but she had a rendezvous with Annie that afternoon, and she had rang the door bell many times to no avail…" Before she could say another word I told her I was coming over.

 

Hand of time and grace

 

I grabbed the key to Annie's house and stuck my feet into the first pair of shoes and ran. On the way to her house, which is around the corner, I prayed, "Dear God please let Annie be okay. And listen, give me the courage if otherwise."

Annie's housekeeper was waiting outside Annie's front door. She and I both know that Annie doesn't forget. Annie is a clock when it comes to being on time and being where she says she will be, even at ninety-two she is sharper than most tools in the shed.

I unlocked the front door, took a deep breath and entered in.

 

Annie prettier than a spring flower

 

Annie was curled up on her bed, her hands sweetly tucked under her chin… I noticed her breathing, I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

Annie's housekeeper nudged Annie awake. Annie looked up at us as if she were dreaming, she smiled sheepishly and said, "I should never go to bed in the afternoon… My body automatically thinks it is bedtime!" Then she looked at me and without missing a beat chuckled, "I didn't know you had pink high heels, you should wear them more often."

I looked at my feet and thought, "Good luck shoes! I am keeping them."

—————————-

When is the last time you had a scare?

 



Comments

56 responses to “The Good Luck Shoes”

  1. Massilianana

    Oh my god ! As I read your post I felt my throat tighten and my eyes stingy with tears ready to come.Yes do keep those pink stilettos ( I want to see them, take a picture !), they are definately worth any ruby red shoes ! Sacrée Annie , I love her sense of humor !

  2. I held my breath as I read your post! Finally, I can breath…

  3. Yay, Annie. Yay, pink high heels. You should wear them and take black and white photos in them then colorize the pink high heels.

  4. I had tears in my eyes as soon as I read the words ‘Annies housekeeper’…Thanking God she is ok…And the pink shoes are a must keep…Don’t know what you will wear them with,but does it really matter?
    And please tell Annie not to do that to all of us again…My stomach still feels queasy…

  5. Oh corey. My heart is still pounding. I had tears well up in my eyes as I skim read this post. I needed to get to the end to know if she was ok. Some day I know we will all feel heartbroken when the inevitable ending happens. But not for many years to come I pray.

  6. I immediately jumped to the bottom of your blog, to read the ending.
    I feel so relieved, cannot even imagine what you were feeling running through town in your lucky shoes! ((((xxx)))) for you and Annie

  7. Phew, you had me worried there too! I’m so relieved, and just love Annie’s sense of humour. What an absolutely gorgeous portrait of her, alongside the spring flower! And is the first photo the entrance to Annie’s house? Do tell.

  8. Glad Annie is ok

  9. Julie Loeschke

    A tear is rolling down my cheek and my shoes are red. 🙂 His mercy endures forever.

  10. Just now, like second ago.
    But not anymore, so glad Annie is OK.

  11. Just now.. 3 years ago, outcome wasn’t good, but I’m so glad that Annie is well. What a scare that must have been. And you did it in true style – with a perfect pair of shoes!

  12. Leaving aside that pesky little matter that there’s actually no such thing as luck (good, bad or otherwise) — athletes’ unwashed smelly socks notwithstanding (LOL!) — I’m relieved to learn that Annie was OK.
    I DO wonder, however, whether Annie’s mid-afternoon napping is a sign of anything about which you should be concerned. Perhaps you, she and her housekeeper could work out some sort of simple notification system so you can tell the difference without having to hoof it over there every time. Or, failing that, maybe Annie could hang some small item on the door-knob as a secret sign of when she’s napping, so she won’t be wakened by loving worry-warts.
    On the other hand, in hot weather — amd we’re in the grips of an unseasonable and muggy heat wave here right now, with temps in the 90s Fahrenheit (vs. an average of 75°F for this date!) — I turn on our puny window air-conditioner and retreat to bed late each afternoon just because the rest of the house becomes unbearable for a few hours, till ca. 6 PM when I can open up the sliding doors and turn on the exhaust fans to start expelling the hot air and drawing in cooling outside air.

  13. Christina

    Hach my… wiping my tears with everyone else.
    How does Annie feel knowing she didn’t just make her housekeepers and your heart race that moment… but a whole lot of other peoples breath take a leap around the whole world at her solemn afternoon nap?
    At least you had a key and where able to check right fast…
    My scare is always when I can’t seem to reach my family back in Germany… how “dare” them to be out late and not let me know that none is there to pick up the phone…
    specially when it is a few days in a row that I cant seem to reach them…
    walking around the corner of the ocean isn’t really fast and easy then…

  14. I had to speed read to get to the happy ending…I have had this same type of scare before, and it is heart stopping.
    And I am most impressed that you can run in high heels, even just around the corner! Tres impressive.
    So glad Annie was just napping.
    Diane in Placerville, CA

  15. Thank God Annie is OK
    She is truly blessed.
    Please take a picture of your pink high heels.
    I love you
    Jeanne

  16. Reading your post today was the last time I had a scare. What a relief in the end, and a laugh. Hugs and kisses to both of you!
    Paivi
    P.S. Want to see a pic of those lucky shoes, too!

  17. I am so glad she’s alright, don’t worry, she’ll be warming you with that smile for some time to come. Perhaps you should take your favorite Greek lady out for coffee so you can laugh at the experience together.

  18. Denise Moulun-Pasek

    Just last night when my youngest son came home after a serious tumble from long-boarding (a long skate board). He fell when he was going about 35km/hour. His body is badly scratched on his right side and arm and his right thumb is sprained.
    When you see your child in that state, your own body aches with empathy and you feel a pull on your heart that makes your eyes tear up. It scared me to think how much worse it could have been.
    I’m giving him a ride to work today. It will make ME feel better!

  19. Oh Corey,you made me cry with you. i am so relieved for you. We know how you love her. Many continued blessings, xo jody

  20. I knew she was okay because of the title of your post so I was more curious to see what she was up to – a nap I wouldn’t have guessed but I LOVE that. I bet you do look great in pink heels 🙂

  21. Cathy J.

    Funny, I cleaned out my closet too. No one woman should have a closet full of clothes and still not have anything to wear. I was thinking that my girlfriends and I should get together and have a big yard sale for charity. I’m convinced they’ll find the same situation lurking in their closets. It’s so hard to part those cute pair of shoes you only wore once because they hurt your feet. The days of “breaking in shoes” has long passed for me, but it’s still hard to let go. Maybe if I knew they were going to a good home I’d feeel better.
    Glad to hear Annie is ok. Here’s to her longevity!

  22. aww…I got choked up even knowing about those lucky shoes.

  23. I love the picture of Annie’s precious hand…
    and your caption with it…hand of time and grace…
    perfection…Love, Judy B

  24. georgie

    Well, your story scared me! Last month Favorite Aunty broke her femur. She is the same age as Annie. Like you, I was praying constantly she’d be all right. She is in a rehab. place now, doing well and getting pretty tired of physical therapy!

  25. When I read your first words , I was scared . Then at the end I was laughing . You should have wore them for our pink party

  26. Ana María

    You had me so scared now! Unlike others who rushed to read the bottom of the blog, I scrolled down ever so slowly, fearing what the next line would say.
    Thank God she is all right and how wonderful to have a friend like you … around the corner!
    God bless you!
    Ana María

  27. I did the same thing…

  28. We had the same experience with my husband’s grandmother a few years ago. I know that heart-pounding dread you were feeling. Grandma woke up embarrassed that she had fallen asleep! The good news is that Grandma lived to be just a month shy of 110 years old, and was as sharp as a tack until the very end. It is good to have people like this in our lives!

  29. Mmd. Tortoise

    Mom was about 86. We had plans to meet and go shopping. I was supposed to pick her up, or so I thought. Usually the keys to her place were always with me, but not on this day. I rang her outdoor buzzer to no avail; another let me in the buidling. There was no answer at her door. Her friends who possessed an extra set of keys were not home. I pounded on her door and when not answered panic set in.
    I ran to the home of others and they came with cell phone so I could call: still no answer. I quickly drove back to my place to see if by chance I was mistaken about our arrangements. She was not at my place and ever so quickly I returned to her home.
    By this time several neighbors were involved. I was frantic and asked if they would call the police who arrived shortly thereafter. He was of little help because he said there was nothing he could do to assist me. “Yes there is”, said I…”you can kick the door in.” That, he was not allowed to do. I had him calling his supervisor who finally relented when I offered permission. With one swift kick from the big tall policeman, the door was shattered. Others went in because I could not. They looked everywhere to find that mom was not in the apartment. It was then that someone suggested they look in the parkade to see if her car was there. A simple question, that had it been thought of initially would have diffused the situation but it seems that I threw all around me into panic mode and critical thinking went out the window. .
    I sheepishly drove back to my place to find mom waiting for me in her car. I went to her asking, “what are you doing here?” ” I am here to pick you up,” said she. “oh dear” said I: “you might want to go home because you don’t have a door on your condo.” She looked at me strangly and all I could say was,”please don’t ask, just go home.”
    I followed her home to see her expression when looking at her shattered door. It was one of imminent anger. I quickly told my story of panic and not another word was said. That day the door was replaced at great expense and thankfully we now laugh about the incident.
    I am pleased to say at 91 mom is still here.
    Needless to say, I know just how you felt this morning Corey. I am so glad to read we had similar outcomes. Yours being a tad less dramatic but done with such flare in your pink shoes.

  30. I was holding my breath as I read…thank heavens for good luck pink high heels! Glad to hear Annie is well!

  31. Barbara Snow

    Oh Corey,
    What a relief. My best friend is undergoing cancer treatments in another state right now, and the telephone ringing late at night has become the most frieghtening thing imaginable. So glad Annie is okay. Like many other readers my eyes were filling with tears as I read your post.
    Barb in Minnesota

  32. Theresa

    I held my breath…..lucky for those pick shoes it was a happy ending! Sweet photo of Annie.

  33. Oh my, what a scare. Thank heavens Annie is okay! Give her a big hug for me, she’s such a treasure!

  34. Michelle M in KY

    Dear Corey,
    I am so very relieved that Annie is ok. I am certain that your heart took a major plunge after hanging up the phone and running out the door. Those shoes are definitely a keeper.

  35. Denise Solsrud

    whew! you had me holding my breathe. thank you God. Sweet Annie. Bestest,Denise

  36. OH! I was so worried!
    I call my 92-year-old neighbor, Ethel, every morning “so she knows I’m ok…” One day I got a call from her daughter saying nobody could get a hold of Ethel. I went over to Ethel’s and unlocked the door – nobody home. Her car was in the garage. I called her cell phone. Nothing.
    Turns out her friends had come and taken her to a movie. She called everybody back and I’m sure told them all, as she told me, “Can’t I go ANYWHERE without telling anyone?”
    No, Ethel. You can’t!

  37. I could tell by the title of the blog posting and the tone of the text that all would end well with Annie. Like her, I just cannot take an afternoon snooze…will remain groggy the remainder of the day!
    Pink high heel shoes…hmmmmm. Did you climb those stairs in your pink shoes? Careful with that ankle!! And if you have ANY clothing items you want to send my way, would love it, as you know I love your taste and style of clothes 😉

  38. Hey Girl!
    I did!
    C

  39. Mine came today when I was swimming in the ocean (I am training to swim the Channel, despite what the Fr coast guard thinks about Channel swimming) when I felt something very large brush my foot. For a second, my heart skipped a beat but as it passed under me, I could see it was a dolphin.

  40. These moments in time that set our hearts to racing and bring a numbness to our hands and fee (except when we have pink shoes to slip them in). What a relief that Annie was okay and quick with the quip!

  41. We all must share a sickness or something like it.
    We feel so intertwined in your life that everyone you know and love….we love too.
    I am glad that Annie is ok. I am glad you were in town to check on her.
    hugs…Sharon

  42. Splendid

    So happy to hear it all ended well
    we all love you and Annie so much
    XOXOXOXOXOOXXO

  43. Delphine

    Two years ago my daughter phoned to say she had been in a car accident. Husband answered the phone and was relaying information as I stood next to him. She was going through a roundabout and a BUS! didn’t see her. It hit the back of her car, pushed her up and over the roundabout and across the street. All four tyres blew out as she mowed down someone’s front fence. She was shaken but not a scratch – alas the car was a different story. Husband was still talking to her on the phone and looked at me as tears rolled down my face and said ‘you’d better talk to your Mum, she’s standing here crying.’ There were more tears when she said ‘I’m okay Mum, really.’ Never want to feel that scared again.

  44. debinIN

    It was suddenly abundantly clear that I have been dreading such a post from you. I am so relieved that this is that THAT post. Once again I celebrate the existance of Annie in the world–how lucky you are to have her AND pink heels!
    I look forward to years and years andyears of Annie stories…I can’t wait to see where she will lead you (and us)! And may your rediscovered and wonderfully lucky shoes keep you both in good health.

  45. Thank God she was OK… and for friends with keys living just around the corner, and for pink heels!!! *sniff*

  46. RebeccaNYC

    When did I last have a scare? Just now! reading this post.

  47. You mean before this one? I’m so relieved Annie is fine and rested…and the pink shoes…yes, keep them on. Sigh…
    When my sister didn’t call me back for 3 days….I was livid and just about ready to call her office – when – viola – she called me back. I scolded her, don’t ever do that again. We laughed but it isn’t funny. She always calls me right back. We live too far apart – I wish I could run over to see if she’s okay. Love true love.

  48. Despite the title, you had me scared too. I think we have all grown to love her.

  49. Don’t know if I’m more shocked by the pink shoes or Annie napping. joking but glad our Annie is OK.
    The last scare I had was my car accident right before Christmas. I NEVER saw the car that raced in front of me at an intersection. Airbag deployed and burst, I sat stunned before I realized I was in an accident. Then looked over at the other car, which flipped and landed on it’s roof. I panicked at the thought that someone in the other car was seriously injured. But by God’s grace, the guy was pulled out without a scratch. I had no injuries other than my BP was sky high. Since then I have learned to be calm about everything; life is a gift, God is with us always, and pink shoes are a must!

  50. Kimberly

    I too held my breath while reading the entire post! I let out a big sigh when I found out Annie was okay. Thank you Lord! Blessings, Kimberly

  51. I just let out such a sigh of relif, Corey. I wish I could borrow your shoes. My dad has not been doing well and is currently in a rehab/nursing home, and every time the phone rings late at night my heart jumps into my throat. Please give Annie a big hug from me…. Donna

  52. I panicked at the thought that someone in the other car was seriously injured. But by God’s grace, the guy was pulled out without a scratch. I had no injuries other than my BP was sky high. Since then I have learned to be calm about everything; life is a gift, God is with us always, and pink shoes are a must!

  53. Sighs of relief that your friend Annie is ok! My last scare was when a few weeks ago, I was called and told my son had been chemically burned in the plant where his company had been subcontracted to do work. The burn was 7″ on his back and deep. I saw the picture that was texted to me and just cringed and felt his pain, literally. He is better now, but I hate when my babies suffer! I also worried over if the company would take good care of all the legalities. There is nothing more awful than to see your loved ones suffer!
    I too have a “Pink Heels” story, loved yours, where is a pic of those heels?

  54. OMG Corey, you gave me a scare! Isn’t it wonderful, though, how half a world away you have made me care about a tough but sweet little lady I’ve never met?
    I can’t remember the last scare I had, but lately have been recalling one I had when my youngest son was about two and his father let him walk into the water at a lake after a friend who’d waded in ahead, followed by his own small children. The friend was not aware of our son, but my husband assumed it safe to jaunt across the sand to an outhouse and let our toddler go into the water alone, trying to catch up with our friend and his kids. Fortunately I noticed this from further back on the beach, where I was crossing the sand more slowly with our older son, who used a walker. I sprinted to the water and into it and reached our toddler just as he stepped into a steep dip in the bottom of the lake and sank, his head immediately under water. Had I not been there exactly when I was … I still shudder at how close we came to losing him.

  55. Judy B. Texas

    Just as I was cautiously scrolling down to check on Annie, my computer went hay-wire and the screen went blank….started cussing at the computer and so upset that I couldn’t finish reading her outcome! Finally, it reset and I read the good news…Annie was napping. This was my scare…a tear rolled down my face also. God bless Annie; may she live a healthy long time.

  56. katiebell

    Oh gosh, glad your baby is OK. love x

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