The Red Shoes
Posted on | January 26, 2010 | 25 Comments
This past Saturday marked the 9th anniversary of the passing of my older sister, Michelle. Sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago and other times I feel like I just saw her yesterday. You do not get over the loss of someone that close to you, you learn to cope and continue living with a hole in your heart. It is something you can only hope to survive. Michelle left behind a son, my nephew Nicky. He is a light in my life and a constant reminder of Michelle. He is our gift from her.
Michelle loved black shoes. She had millions of them. And Nicky wore a famously adorable pair of tiny red sneakers that his mom had picked out for him. Soon after Michelle’s death my mom and I did a photo shoot of all of the shoes; Michelle’s black ones and Nicky’s red ones. We set them up in different formations and I took pictures of them. I remember crying as we did it because it was therapuetic in some way.
Recently I scanned the photos in and added a little color. I’ve decided to share them with you, friends. Not sure why, maybe because I just miss her so darn much.
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25 Responses to “The Red Shoes”
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January 26th, 2010 @ 10:06 am
speechless, friend.
January 26th, 2010 @ 10:19 am
I just stopped breathing for a little bit.
A beautiful post, and reminder to cherish what’s important.
January 26th, 2010 @ 11:10 am
I am so sorry. I can’t even imagine. My husband actually just lost his sister on Sunday, and he’s having a hard time with it. I don’t have siblings, so I can’t really relate. I’m going to pass this post on to him, to let him know that someone understands what he’s going through. Thank you for sharing with us.
January 26th, 2010 @ 11:28 am
What a lovely way to honor your sister. I’m so sorry for your loss – it’s true that these things don’t ever go away.
January 26th, 2010 @ 12:30 pm
Pal. These are great. That last one really gets me. Michelle was such a beautiful person and she is truly missed. Nicky is so lucky to have such a wonderful Aunt! Love.
January 26th, 2010 @ 12:40 pm
I remember those red sneakers! It’s crazy to think that Nicky once fit in those. Thinking of you…
January 26th, 2010 @ 12:52 pm
Wow. This post made me well up. Thanks for sharing.
January 26th, 2010 @ 1:01 pm
Amy, this is a beautiful tribute to your sister and your nephew. I am sorry for your loss and wish you continued courage as you bear the burden of your dear sister’s absence.
January 26th, 2010 @ 1:21 pm
Thinking of you, what a tribute to a life lived.
January 26th, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
I love the photos. It’s nice to remember the things that remind us of our siblings. My brother died over 11 years ago and I miss him every day. I flew his 14 year old daughter here last month for two weeks of “Holiday Aunt Camp”. It’s been important for me to keep my connection with his family and I’m crazy about my niece. We had a great time together.
January 26th, 2010 @ 1:41 pm
This just gave me goosebumps. It is so beautiful, and such a wonderful reminder of your sister’s presence…which is everywhere you go, I am sure.
January 26th, 2010 @ 2:14 pm
deepest sympathies to you even after all these years. may love surround you as you remember.
January 26th, 2010 @ 2:25 pm
Amy, I am so sorry for your loss, even if it’s been 9 years now, I’m sure it still feels a great loss as it did that first day. Time heals in that it makes us stronger to cope with the daily thoughts of the person we lost…
These images are great and so very powerful! Stay strong and positive!
January 26th, 2010 @ 2:35 pm
Such a beautiful tribute.
January 26th, 2010 @ 2:51 pm
Oh, my dear. You’re so right – we never get over these losses, but we learn to keep going. My thoughts are with you.
January 26th, 2010 @ 3:12 pm
thank you so much for sharing this very touching post and the very touching photos. thoughts are with you and hugs to you.
January 26th, 2010 @ 3:13 pm
It’s beautiful what you guys did with the shoes. What a sweet tribute.
January 26th, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
Crying. I love you, Pal.
January 26th, 2010 @ 9:43 pm
I’m so sorry. I’m awfully glad you all have Nicky and he you all.
xo
January 27th, 2010 @ 12:50 am
So beautiful. What a loving tribute.
January 27th, 2010 @ 10:07 am
Thank you all so much. My heart is swelling. Hugs to each and every one of ya! XO Amy
January 27th, 2010 @ 5:16 pm
tears
January 27th, 2010 @ 6:29 pm
I should’ve commented earlier but I didn’t know what to say. It goes without saying, I love this series of photos. They are a beautiful and fitting collection and without fail, everytime I see them, I am as impressed, saddened and lifted by them. Love you.
January 28th, 2010 @ 2:30 pm
So beautiful Amy. You have an amazing outlook on life that often comes from a person who has been through a lot. These pictures are beautiful.
January 30th, 2010 @ 9:43 pm
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister. This beautiful tribute brought tears to my eyes.