Moments to Remember

As we entered the shoe repair shop, the excitement began to show. (We had been customers for years). Our boys, in grades 3, 5 and 6, at the time, were here to buy 'new' skates. They were cheaper in this second hand shop. Retail shopping for skates did not make sense at this stage of their development. Second hand was fiscally responsible for our family.

We had moved to the country, decades ago, a pond included. It was reasonable to expect that outdoor skating would become a new reality for our family and friends. (Momsey does not skate though attempts were made many times). As I watched the trio being served I was reminded of their helpful, caring ways. They deserved the best we could offer; though, sometimes, second best was good enough. Money foolishly spent now would not be available later when it mattered the most. Skating and swimming were about year round fitness, fun and health. Their costs were more akin to an life insurance policy towards children's future well-being and safety.

I stood near one wall, inside the shop, waiting as each boy tried on his 'new' pair of skates. Dad stood near, supervising the fit for each son. Their dad was a phenomenal skater and had been working towards a career in professional hockey, years earlier, before an ankle injury forced a change in plans. As our oldest walked towards me, a 'new pair', in hand, he seemed quiet. As I looked down at John's new skates I noticed its profound ragged look, akin to an object in direct contact with a grizzly bear. Second hand had been taken to a new level. Yet not one complaint from the boy with the voice who made us laugh. The light colored fabric covering the these skate boots was almost indiscernible from any material I had known. All that remained was a barely-held-together pair of skates. Our son had accepted what had been offered him, in the spirit of the buying moment. Change was in the air.

'John' was never one to complain, none of them were, always ready to help out and take care of his 'buds', his 9 and 7 year old younger brothers and our pet family. In accepting a 'beyond repair' pair of skates without any fuss, John had demonstrated clearly the early lessons of financial security, integrity and frugality only too well. I asked him to return to the line-up for another try at the skate carousel. Dad understood. He had not been looking, concentrating more on fit than fashion. John's kindness, caring, enthusiastic nature with all things pet and family, deserved more, in this exciting buying moment.

Buying new skates is not always possible for families. The freezing cold winter season was short, in some years and the opportunities to skate, not always possible. Used had been a part of our family's philosophy. Why waste money when the future held untold financial dilemmas and decisions, especially with two large dogs and three boys to care for?  

 

When there were three pairs of feet to consider, buying new, for seasonal equipment, rarely made sense. Young boys tendency to grow quickly, in the early years, made buying new recreational footwear a challenge to accept. Wasting money on new could be an unwise decision. New skates would have to wait till they were older.

We strove for the qualities of caring, kindness and compassion in our boys and encouraged their self-expression and reliance, in daily life. Life was never about things, they knew. But in this particular instance, it was going to be. A newer pair of skates, 'intact' and 'showroom ready', left the store with its newest owner,  excited that clearer minds had prevailed.

 

A moment in character building had been on display that day. Moving to the country gave us an ice rink in winter, with predictable surface fractures, requiring maintenance with shovels and manpower. Skating was now more about fun and less about practice. It was now becoming a social event. Equipment had to reflect that.

We left the store, never to forget the story of the well-worn pair of skates. The young boy who could have been demanding, was not. The young boy who could have asked for more, did not. The young boy who could have been disappointed, was not.  The smile on his face said it all. For all his patience and acceptance of what had been given him, he demonstrated courage. His grand smile was all the reward we needed.