On Being 58

About 20 years ago I bought a pair of gym shoes at American Eagle during a Friends & Family sale. They were made in Poland and I paid $11.00 for them. I was quite proud of my frugality, even though they didn't quite fit but they were the only size left. They had no street use since I carried them in my bag to the gym and the weight room and exercize floors were carpeted. But age finally cought up to my beautiful imported shoes and the rubber sole of the RH shoe began to separate from the upper part. Time to go shopping at Foot Locker you say? I wouldn't hear of it! I swathed the inards in rubber cement and affixed five C-clamps to the shoe while it dries. It appears to be in traction, resting peacefully on the basement floor in post-op. Even though I recognized the road I was walking down, I couldn't avert my pace. I was genetically pre-destined. I have now officially become my father. I am not startled or shocked, however. There have been other little hints scoffing my demise over the years. The boot incident comes to mind.