Shoelaces

 SHOELACES

(Family Ties)

As I tied my shoelaces I suddenly realised it was my mother who first taught me to tie the laces. 

Strange how this thought should come to mind. It's been easily more than 60 years. Yet, I still can recall how she patiently sat with me, as we formed a loop with one string, then wound the other string around it to form another loop. I fumbled with the strings at first. Made one loop but failed to form the other. With repeated practice I eventually mastered the art of tying my shoelaces, and I was happy. 

Only now with age, my hands are at times stiff and fingers do not always bend as wished. Still I keep at it, just as I did all those years ago. And I smile to myself, thankful to my mother for this and so many other skills she passed along to me. 

May Allah bless her soul.

© Breyel, Timm. "Shoelaces (Family Ties)". All rights reserved.