Today I bought shoes.
Not the kind of shoes to make me feel pretty and counteract looking like an aging Smurf 40+ hours a week at work.
No, these are walking shoes.
Shoes that I plan to walk in.
A lot.
Last year Amaya and Royce joined forces in New York for the Overnight Walk with the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. 18 miles. Overnight. In honor and remembrance of their father.
I, on the other hand, was not ready. New York is not my thing. And I am not the kind to march for a cause or share with the world.
I did, however, see the difference it made in Amaya and Royce’s relationship. In Royce’s self esteem, and his ability to define what he wants out of life and to stand up for himself. It opened up our ability as a family to share the good, the bad, and the day-to-day struggle to keep moving forward.
This August will be twelve years since Richard’s suicide. Six months shy of half of Royce’s life.
This year the walk will be in San Francisco.
The weekend of June 9th.
I will be walking in remembrance of Richard.
And to thank him for the greatest gift he ever gave me: Amaya and Royce.
