From: Charles W Morton
Subject: An amazing run of events
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 20:21:27 -0700

The last few weeks have been difficult around here, as both Wonderful and
I have lost our fathers recently. These changes have preoccupied both of
us, as there was so much to attend to. I have spent far more time in a
tie recently than I have since I was selling real estate ten years back.

Monday I was barefoot as I helped the men from the funeral parlor carry
my father's body out of the house. This was a powerful moment for me, and
it felt absolutely right. Then I cranked up my mother's old electric
typewriter and wrote his obituary. Later that day I wore shoes to the
funeral home, but this was mostly for the benefit of my mother. That was
the only time I wore shoes that day. I credit all this barefoot time with
keeping me very effectively grounded through a trying time. It may sound
silly, but I have spoken in this forum before of the spiritual component
barefooting holds for me; this month it has been very important to me.

Tuesday we had a very informal visitation at the funeral home for which I
wore shoes. Afterward I took my dogs for a long walk at the lake. It was
a beautiful full moon, and I walked and ran barefoot and naked along
miles of shoreline. It was very healing to get that closely involved with
the natural world. It came to be an impromptu mourning ritual, and I felt
much better afterwards.
 
The first week of October I spent with Wonderful's family in a small town
about 60 miles south of here. I spent the week entirely barefoot, except
for the visitation and funeral. After both events, I found myself eager
to slip off the shoes (worn without socks, thank you) but not so
concerned about the tie. I recently bought a nice vest that looks really
retro and killer with my gray suits or a sportcoat and tie, so I felt
actually pretty darn stylish with the vest, black Levis, grey button down
shirts, silk tie, and barefoot. In fact, I enjoyed the look so much I
have dressed like this for classes recently. I was wearing this when we
went to the outlet mall yesterday (I bought new shoes, as I am attending
two weddings this winter. I have been instructed by both brides to at
least HAVE SHOES ALONG!)

I had an interesting conversation with Wonderful's Uncle Robert (age 91)
about footwear preferences. He was pretty curious about my preference for
bare feet, and didn't truly understand, but he was very accepting of it.
I think it amused him a little.
 
Last night was a little fun time with Wonderful's family. Wonderful and
her sister decided to go to the North Carolina State Fair. Uncle Robert
said it had been 62 years since he had been to a fair, so he decided to
go. I went with, and the four of us had a great time. Wonderful needed to
check the booth her department keeps at the fair, so she had a parking
pass that allowed us to park right inside the gates. No one checks for
admission there, so we all got in for free! No hassles walking the whole
fairgrounds barefoot. Robert asked if I minded all the spilled ice cream
and spit and such in a crowded fair. I told him I just avoid the wet
spots, and this pleased him. I did keep some flips in my back pocket,
though. I am not about to walk around all those barnyard animal stalls
barefoot! The cows in particular leave a royal mess on the floor. A
couple of barkers commented, but that was mostly so I would respond to
them and hopefully play their games. No one else said a word, although I
had several conversations with cops, friendly strangers, and Wonderful's
new boss.

Today we went to Central Harnett High School to watch a football game. My
nephew, who carries my father's name on to the next generation, is the
starting quarterback on a very good team. They won by one point. I
noticed the man who sold us our tickets looking at my bare feet. He
started to say something, but did not. I wonder if my stylish attire
influenced his decision. I wore the green vest with a flannel shirt and
the grey Levis.

Saturday is my father's funeral. I will wear my new shoes, which will
make my mother very happy. I make no promises about the family reception
at the church after the funeral. The nice ladies of the church will be
cooking us lunch, and we will receive visitors in the fellowship hall.
Also, I understand this church has a wonderful old pipe organ that I hope
to play at some point that day. Even for my mother, there is no better
excuse for bare feet than that. Her mother taught me to play, and she
never wore shoes while playing. (I should note, after reviewing the last
paragraph, that my parents retired to a small town where I have never
lived, so I am not and never have been a member of their current church.)

All in all, it has been an amazing month, filled with vast changes.
Actually, there is more that is not appropriate for this forum. A
complicated time during which it has been important to stay centered and
grounded. Bare feet are a large part of that effort.

Chuck Morton