A Tribute to My Flip Flops: A Different Kind of Memorial

Some of you may NOT have shared the Flip Flop experience as intimately as I have through the years so this article may be hard to relate. But then... you may be like me who has shared a very close relationship with these simple, sweet, endearing shoes for many years. 

Some say... they are not real shoes, but I beg to differ. I will stand up and proclaim their right to be called shoes anytime! 

Yes indeed...Today is a very sad day for me, as I am saying goodbye to my dear friend of many years, my Flip Flops.

A life without my Flip Flops will be challenging and sad, but I must go on.

It seems as if it were only yesterday that I slipped on my very first pair of Flip Flops. They were open and inviting, and I could not help but fall in love with them. They offered me an array of colors which always adorned my feet with a cheerful existence. 

They were never difficult, as these cuties were the most easiest relationship I have ever encountered. They were always ready for any adventure. I never had to wait for them. The word "Go" seemed to be their middle name. Before I could say..."where are my shoes?" They were sitting by the door ready to go on a new adventure with me.

I found I could take them anywhere! Of course there was always have those "up town" places that would shun them, but then that was never a problem, as I would find a new place where we would always be welcome. If they could not go in, then I would not go in either. That is just how close we were. 

You see...we  were inseparable! 

Our relationship seemed to work for many years. Come spring and summer, we were connected like glue. We had many wonderful memories like taking walks on the beach and listening to the local bands in the outside air. They loved shopping with me, as they knew I had purposed in my heart, they were my number one, my now and forever. There was never any competition. We just knew we would always be together.

However like most relationships, we begin to hit some bumps in the road. I was not wanting to believe the uncomfortable and hurtful things that were happening to me was because of my Flipflops. Surely another culprit, but not my beautiful rubbery slip-on's. 

After a couple years of discomfort in my feet and knees, and trying many comfort measures, I was suddenly enlightened to the ramifications of my long term relationship with my Flip Flops. I did not want to admit it. How could I have been so naive? Surely...our relationship was different. Growing old together was all part of the plan.

Like my favorite group the Carpenters, the music we made together would always stand the test of time. To say goodbye now would be a travesty!

Sadly...the realization began to sink in. What good are we together if I cannot move about anymore or enjoy life as we knew it.

So today...I bid you a sweet goodbye my Flip Flops. I must move on to some Dr. Shoals or some other earth sandal.  I will always wish you well, my fun, loving Flip Flop. Who knows we may run into each other one day on the sandy beaches of Hawaii or the local out door market. I will be the one sporting my new earth shoe with support, but I will always lovingly think of you when I hear our song.