From the first time I saw you sitting on the shelf mischievously mocking me to purchase you, I knew I'd give in. Covered with your multicolored polka-dots, how could I resist? After all, when I was a little girl I loved my rain boots, almost as much as being barefoot. The chance to dress in head to toe rain gear and splash my way through the world was always exciting, and nothing much has changed since then. Secretly some part of you knew this about me and as I strolled past you, you leaped into my shopping basket. Just as well, secretly some part of me wanted to take you home. I wore you out in the rain and snow for four seasons of each. You've walked trails with me, pulled pranks at retreats with me, made snowmen and angels with me, taught little people how to make a snowball and sled with me, gone fishing with me, and even helped to clean up after a flood with me. It was the winter of 2010-2011 that finally did you in. Too many snows, too much cold.
I went to take you for another splash a few weeks ago and found you slightly shriveled and showing the signs of dry rot. Imagine my dismay as I realized I would have to face the rain without you! Oh the humanity of it all!! What was I to do? I couldn't bring myself to throw you in the trash, so I placed you on the front porch for one last splash. After a week, I had come to the resolution that I would have to replace you once and for all. Heartbreak. Now I must find another pair that will be as enticing as you were, and be willing to go on as many adventures as you. I took myself back to the same store you were in and went back to the place you once lived. There to my amazement was another pair just as grand as you! Houndstooth markings that screamed to be taken out for adventures!! I am convinced that you somehow communicated to them from the trash bin that I needed them to heal my wound of losing you. Thank you for being so kind to me during all of our adventures and for sending me a new friend to continue the journey.
