running late...

He got new shoes for his birthday. I cringed at paying full price; we usually wait for a sale. But I knew he needed new shoes, and they were orange, his favorite.

I tossed the size eleven shoes in the buggy and told Cade that it was a secret for Bubba's birthday. The first thing out of Cade's mouth that day when we picked Austin up was "Bubba! We have secret, super-special shoes for you!"


Austin's worn his new shoes every day for the past twenty-two days. That's how many days I've been the mama to a five year old. He bounces and skips and jumps and runs everywhere he goes. I have to remind him to turn your shoes off before he enters his classroom every morning.

I worry every morning that we'll be late for school. Most mornings we walk, even though we could take the car. Buckling car seats to drive would probably take more time than simply walking. So we walk, and those bright orange shoes somehow get us to school on time. Austin calms me, "Momma. I'm wearing my super shoes. I won't be late." I resist the urge to tell him to stop bouncing, to hurry, and to zip his jacket already!

I get a kiss at the door. I remind him to turn his shoes off and I walk back home. I look at the clock at 10:45... I feel odd, like I've forgotten something. I remember... A half day at school. I was supposed to pick him up now. Cade and I throw shoes on and run down the stairs. That short walk to the school feels longer and longer with each passing step.

Austin's waiting at his classroom with a friend who asked his Mama if they could wait, too. I'm thankful my boy has good friends.


We're only six minutes late... But to a little one, it's forever, I think.
He asked where we were and I apologized for being late.
"That's ok, Momma. You can borrow my shoes next time!"