Stand In Someone Else's Shoes
May 1 2020
One of the many happy coincidences of our time in Brooklyn is living around the corner from my friend Vibecke. We meet regularly for coffee and to check on each other’s artistic and professional progress, swap funny stories about motherhood and blah add something female-centric about her energy and brainpower here, You know, like you do. I love that Vibecke doesn’t see obstacles - she sees only opportunities, and not just for herself.
One of last meet-ups before the virus struck V noticed I was walking funny as we took our leave from our fave coffee spot - Cafe Regular. She said “Do you know you’re pronating?” Well, no, thought I, that’s just how I walk in my crummy sneakers; the pain in my knees is just how it is, and my lower back… oh never mind. She took me by the arm and not taking no for an answer, steered me to her near-by apartment, where she proceeded to pull out a brand-new pair of beautiful black suede sneakers from her closet, still in the box, and said “You need these.” I slipped on the shoes - they were sturdy, unlike mine, and the toe-box had room for my chubby feet. Oddly, the soles curved downward slightly which gave me pause. Won’t I fall over? But when I stood up, dear reader, I stood straight, no pain, not sliding about, and in perfect alignment. I’m not a gimmicky-kind of gal but I’m telling you, the difference was real. #gratitude2020
She sent me home with them, and with a pair for the #SilverFox. Who does that? Who just gives you brand new shoes because they think you might benefit? To keep myself from sitting all the time during #StayHomeNYC, I’ve taken to wearing my GaitLines indoors and pacing as I sing or chat or do chores. It gives me such pleasure, and as I wear them I think of my friend and her amazing generosity, not just of shoes but of spirit.
We don’t have to be together in person to be Vibecke for someone: to stand in someone else’s shoes, or even to give them ours. We can check up on each other with texts or calls and hold their virtual hand; a video call is even better. We can grab extra groceries for a neighbor, especially our seniors. We can give money if we have it (see below for some good NYC options). We can wear our masks; that is perhaps the most impactful pair of shoes right now.
Who can you be Vibecke for?
