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The Day I Got My Walking Shoes
Posted On Tuesday April 17, 2007 By Matt
An entry from my baby album reads “Matt, your walking practice is exhausting. But no one could be prouder that you’re walking early than your dad is. Dad” I obviously don’t remember my first steps but it must have been a big deal. I was born with a rather bad club foot and had spent most of my first year in various casts as they tried to reshape my ankle and foot. I then spent my first 5 years wearing a leg brace. My club foot always made me different from everyone else. For the longest time it was the primary way I thought of myself. I still like to shock people by showing them the size difference between my two feet. Ultimately, it’s not a major disability, I can do everything except run. But growing up with it affected how other kids socialized with me. It made me feel inferior and as a result I spent most of my childhood allowing myself to be victimized by bullies. At one point in elementary school I had to have my father drive to school for recess so that other kids wouldn’t beat the shit out of me again and again. I got labeled a trouble maker because I was always in fights, but really, I never started them. I was never doing anything more than defending myself. I just wanted to be left alone. I just wanted to be normal. I know all those experiences shaped who I am today, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. It’s just funny how one small thing can shape your entire existence.
Tags: club, first, foot, steps, walking