No ordinary pair of school shoes

The Last Pair of School Shoes: My Reflection on a Journey Coming to an End

I saw them again today—my son's school shoes, casually left in the kitchen corridor as he arrived home from school, dumped his school bag and casually grabbed his afternoon snacks. Usually, this would be the moment I’d go from zero to one hundred and call out in frustration, reminding him for the umpteenth time to keep his shoes in the right place.

But today, those old and well-worn shoes did something unexpected: they made me teary.

My son is about to finish Year 12. With only his final exams left, this chapter of his life—and mine—is rapidly closing. It’s funny how a pair of shoes, often a source of annoyance, can suddenly symbolise so much more. Those worn-out shoes represent the countless early morning wake ups, many a lost shoe at the karate dojo or soccer field, infinite car rides across Sydney, the endless hours we have spent together driving and listening to HIS music, and my recent journey of launching Neon Goat, born from the inspiration I found during our time together (and his many mates who piled into my car - carpooling them from school to sport and back home with the most outrageous body odour trapped inside my car!).

Here are my ten reflections on how special these schooling years have been, what my son has taught me, and why it's okay to shed a tear over old school shoes!

1. The Beauty of Routine: Carpooling my son across the city seemed tedious at times, but now I see those drives as invaluable moments of connection. Our conversations, silences, and shared music playlists will forever be cherished memories.
2. Patience is a Virtue: As a mother, I’ve learned that patience is one of the greatest gifts I can offer my child. Even when those school shoes were left in the kitchen corridor for the hundredth time, patience has taught me to choose my battles wisely. This was no easy 'learning'!
3. The Power of Presence: Being there for most school events, weekend sporting games, and even (rarely) driving the 'forgotten assignment' to school has taught me the importance of simply showing up. My presence mattered more than any words of advice I could offer.
4. Embracing the Mess: Life with a teenager is messy—both literally and figuratively - don't even ask me the current state of his bedroom floor which is mostly covered with exam papers... I’ve learned to embrace the chaos, knowing that the clutter is temporary, but the memories last a lifetime.
5. Learning to Let Go: As my son prepares to graduate, I realise that my role as a mother is evolving. Letting go is a bittersweet process, but it's also a testament to the incredible person he has become.
6. Finding Inspiration in the Everyday: The idea for Neon Goat came from my son’s needs and our daily interactions. It’s a reminder that inspiration often lies in the most unexpected places, like a kitchen corridor.
7. Cherishing the Little Moments: The simple, everyday moments—the ones we often overlook—are the ones I’ll miss the most. From school pick-ups to weekend soccer games, these are the moments that define our bond.
8. Celebrating Growth: Watching my son navigate his teenage years, face challenges, and grow into a young adult has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It’s a reminder of the incredible journey of parenthood.
9. The Value of Time: Time is the most precious commodity. As this chapter closes, I am grateful for every second spent together, even the frustrating ones involving misplaced shoes.
10. It’s Okay to Get Teary Over Old Shoes: Those shoes represent more than just the end of a school day; they symbolise an era. It’s okay to get emotional over them because they’re a tangible reminder of all the love, growth, and memories we’ve shared.

As my son prepares to take his final steps in those very school shoes and move on to new adventures, I find myself reflecting on our journey together. I am filled with gratitude for the time we’ve had and the lessons learned. And yes, I will shed a tear or two over those old shoes because they’ve walked us through so much more than just school days—they’ve walked us through life.