Easter memories: The new high heels

To the Editor:
    I was always excited when it was time to change the store windows at Koritsky’s Department store in my hometown, Dover-Foxcroft. I wondered what the new styles for the season would be. Each day on my way home from school I would walk by the store to see if something new had been added. I was 13 years old the Easter of 1954 and was longing for my first pair of high heels. Mama wouldn’t say “yes” or “no” so I had hopes that maybe, just maybe this Easter I would get my first pair of heels. I of course would need a pair of nylons with the seam going down the back to go with the shoes. This felt much like the first time Mama said I could wear just a little lipstick and how grown up I felt.

    One day after school as I gazed in the store window I saw a pair of the most beautiful beige and tan spectator high heel shoes I had ever seen. I tried to think of all the ways I could convince Mama that I should have them. The heel wasn’t too high so that was a good thing. I dreamed each night of walking into church on Easter morning with my fabulous new high heel shoes and feeling so fashionable.
    Returning from a trip to New Jersey a few days after my constant visits to Koritsky’s show window Mama surprised me with a new Easter outfit. It was a beautiful beige tweed suit. Oh, the beige and tan spectator high heels in Koritsky’s window would go so perfect with the suit.
    When Mama said we need to look for new shoes to go with the suit I knew this was my chance. I made sure I said all the right things so we could at least go and look at my dream shoes. I waited and waited so afraid I would hear it wasn’t time yet for me to have high heels.
    It seemed like forever before Mama said, “I will pick you up after school tomorrow and you can show me the shoes, but remember we are only going to look at them.”
    Well, you can imagine how excited and anxious I was. Then I worried they might not have them in my size.
    The next day I spent most of my time in classes thinking about my trip to Koritsky’s after school.
    The bell rang, I grabbed my books and out the door I ran. Mama was waiting for me. I spent the couple minutes driving to the store exclaiming about the wonderful shoes we were about to see.
    Mama parked the car right in front of the store where we could see the shoes shinning bright through the glass window. Out of the car we got, walked to the window where Mama said, “Oh they would look beautiful with your new suit, let’s go in and try them on.” Mama also made sure I knew she hadn’t made up her mind if I should have high heels yet. The man in the shoe department measured me for the right fit. Soon he returned from the back room with the box in his hand. Oh they did have my size!
    The fit was perfect! I walked around the carpet showing them off and how great they looked on me. Mama listened to all the reasons I should have my first high heels. She thought and thought.
    After what seemed the longest time I heard Mama say I should look for nylons to go with my new shoes. I hugged Mama so tight and danced all over the shoe department. I was a very happy young lady at that moment. Home we went with my new high heels and nylons with the seams down the back.
    My sister Deanna and Daddy had to sit through many showings of my new shoes.
    My father said his little girl was all grown-up and my sister wondered when she would be old enough to have high heels. Easter morning I felt so grown up, special and loved as I walked through the door of my little red brick church by the side of the road.
    Thank you, Mama, for all the happy memories. Wishing you a blessed Easter Day,

Lorna Wilson Carroll
Kingston, N.Y.