I bought my mother the red shoes she was too embarrassed to wear

Dear Delyara, My mother is seventy-five and has spent her entire life wearing practical shoes: black, brown, low heels, something that can survive church, market, work, and rain. Two weeks ago, we passed a shop window and she stopped in front of a pair of bright red shoes. She laughed and said they were “for women who still have somewhere to go.” I bought them secretly for her birthday. Today, she opened the box and immediately told me to return them. Too bright. Too expensive. Too young. I insisted she try them. She put one on, then the other, and stood in front of the mirror. For several seconds she said nothing. Then she whispered, “Your father would have laughed.” Dad died twenty-two years ago. She smiled anyway. We went out to lunch, and Mum wore the red shoes beneath a navy dress. She walked carefully because they were slightly less comfortable than she admitted. Twice, strangers complimented them. Each time she pretended not to care and then looked down at her feet after they passed. Tonight, she placed the shoes back in the box and said she will save them for somewhere special. I told her lunch with me was special. She said, “No, something foolish.” I hope she finds enough foolish places.