It is still dark and a bit on the chillier side, this morning. It’s currently 34 degrees with a prospect of hitting 49 degrees this afternoon.

Due to Spring Break and various shows, I had the last evening free and committed most of my time to my bed, hoping to ease the aching limbs. I recall precious little about the afternoon and evening. I feel a bit stronger this morning, but I have a sinus headache.

I saw this post on a hometown Facebook page. Mr. Zerbe was one of the kindest men in Elwood, Indiana, and I loved going to his shoe store. In 1969, my great-grandmother, Mary Belle Jones Clary, died. I adored this woman and at age 4, had spent much time with her since my great-grandparents lived down 9^th Street from us.

At Copher-Fesler Funeral Home, we gathered for my great-grandmother’s visitation, or “viewing,” as it was called at that time. As I stood beside her casket, I felt the overlay of material hanging on the side. It was cushiony.

Several months later, Mother and Grandma Donna took me to Zerbe shoe store to purchase a new pair of shoes. Mr. Zerbe brought out a new brand with very soft, comfortable insoles. As I stepped into the shoes, I exclaimed, “These feel like the material of Grandma Belle’s casket! I didn’t know they made casket shoes.”

Mr. Zerbe nearly fell off the shoe-stool, howling with laughter.

Thus, my new shoes were known as my “casket shoes.” Fifty-four years later, I still refer to comfortable shoes as my “casket shoes.”

Make it a great day!