Blue Suede Shoes

   “If they want you, they’ll call you!” snapped the receptionist from the human resources department.

   I hung up the phone, feeling like there was no hope. I’d gone on an interview at the department store two weeks prior. The store manager that interviewed me seemed impressed with my qualifications. He even set up an appointment for my physical and I pretty much felt like I’d nailed the job. However, when I didn’t hear from the store, I decided to call.

   Maybe the receptionist was right. Since no one had called, maybe they didn’t want me. After I shook off my hurt feelings, my husband and I took our kids on a long drive. There was something about that long drive that gave me a chance to clear my head and help me feel confident about the future. When we returned home, there was a letter waiting for me from the department store. It was from the manager, who explained how my folder, with all of my contact information, had been lost. If it weren’t for the paperwork that was sent over from the doctor’s office that performed the physical, they may never have been able to find me. The job is yours if you’re still interested, he’d written. You start next week. Also, you’ll need a pair of steel-toe shoes for safety purposes. Then I remembered him telling me during the interview that I’d be working in the back of the building where the large appliances and furniture is stored.

   The next day after I received the letter, I priced the steel-toe shoes and realized two things. I didn’t have the money to buy them, and they were ugly. I prayed for the shoes and I was determined to believe that my prayer would be answered. Days passed and I saw no shoes, nor any money to buy them. With only a couple of days left before I was to start work, I remained calm and steadfast. I knew I wouldn’t be able to work without the steel-toe shoes, but I decided to believe that they’d come.

   Finally, it was Monday morning. The money for the shoes hadn’t come. I barely had enough money for carfare. I went to work anyway. The supervisor took me around the store and introduced me to everyone. We headed toward the back of the store where I’d be working. As we were walking, one of the workers yelled, “Hey! What size shoes do you wear? The last worker left a brand-new pair of steel-toe shoes still in their box, if you want them.”

   The shoes were the right size, a pretty blue color, and suede. My prayer was answered. That day I learned to never give up.

—Sheila Wilson, California