Almost everyday, I see something or hear something in the news or on Facebook about a group of people raising awareness for some worthy cause - Autism, Heart Disease, Child Abuse, Alzheimers, etc. We even have national awareness days for pancakes, chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, people with red hair, various ethnic groups, and so on. All of this is wonderful, fun, and eye-opening. Hence, the name, Awareness.
I would also like to raise awareness of a social problem that is sorely overlooked. The neglect and abandonment of shoes. Drive along any highway, side street or parking lot and you will find a lost shoe somewhere. Some are dress shoes, but most are athletic shoes. Some of these shoes are so beat up that they are almost unrecognizable.
Shoes protect your feet from the dangers of the outside world. They withstand the onslaughts of puddles, gravel, dirt, gum, glass, your sweaty feet, dog poo, other people's feet, puppy teeth, and extreme temperatures of heat and cold. They do this without complaint. They are loyal - always stay where you left them. They can make you look dazzling, help you cross the finish line or land that job. They are truly Man's best friend.
Yet, we treat them so shabbily. They are cast aside, like, well, a worn out shoe. The abuse must stop. Let's find a loving home for these poor cast-offs. Only we can stop the madness.
