The Good Shoe-maritan: Teen was the hero while others sat by

It was a hot summer evening on Puget Sound. I sat with a group of adults overlooking the water’s edge and watched Mount Rainer fade into pink and purple. The lights of distant airplanes flickered high above the Seattle skyline. Indianola was hot — but comfortable, the perfect place for friends to gather. In an hour or two there would be s’mores, but right then there was only the lazy smell of sunscreen.

It had been a long day of swimming and kayaking. The tide had pulled back the water and invited beachcombers of all ages to come explore. Sand castles appeared and perished. Tiny crabs raced across the rocks. Now the water rushed forward to cover the driftwood and added a salty smell to the air already perfumed by native roses.

All of us, I think, were lulled into sedation by nature’s beauty. When we saw two navy-blue shoes float away none of the adults moved.

“Look at those shoes,” somebody remarked. “They must have been left on the beach.”

“Uh, oh,” another person said. “Now the tide’s come in.”

I’m ashamed to say I snickered, especially when I saw a teenager jump to her feet. The rest of us sat and relaxed while she ran down to the shoreline. She didn’t just run, she charged, straight into the water.

“I bet that water’s cold right now.”

“That’ll teach her to be more responsible.”

The girl pushed through the current until she was waist deep. It took her longer than expected to reach the shoes, and when she finally grasped them she held them high in the air like a prize. Dripping wet the girl stumbled back up the beach to our grassy knoll and was greeted by cheers.

When I saw her approach I took off my sunglasses because I thought they had tricked my eyes. But no, as the girl came closer I realized that the shoes she held were much too small.

“Are these yours?” the teen asked a little boy, offering the shoes to him.

The boy, who had special needs, burst into a smile. “My shoes!” he squealed. He threw himself into her wet arms and rewarded her selflessness with joy.

I am not sure how the teenager knew those shoes belonged to the little boy. He wasn’t her brother. It wasn’t her job to take care of him. She probably ran into the water on a hunch, risking ridicule, for the slim chance of helping.

But even if she had known with 100-percent certainty whose feet those shoes belonged to it doesn’t alter the righteousness of her actions. There were lots of people on the beach that day, yet she was the only one who helped.

I am not the Good Shoe-maritan, but I have met her. She is brave. She is young. She is not what you would expect. She is an ordinary teenage girl living in Snohomish County.

You might know her too.

Jennifer Bardsley is an Edmonds mom of two. Find her on Twitter @jennbardsley and at www.heraldnet.com/ibrakeformoms and teachingmybabytoread.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Lily Gladstone poses at the premiere of the Hulu miniseries "Under the Bridge" at the DGA Theatre, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Mountlake Terrace’s Lily Gladstone plays cop in Hulu’s ‘Under the Bridge’

The true-crime drama started streaming Wednesday. It’s Gladstone’s first part since her star turn in “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

A giant Bigfoot creation made by Terry Carrigan, 60, at his home-based Skywater Studios on Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Monroe, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The 1,500-pound Sasquatch: Bigfoot comes to life in woods near Monroe

A possibly larger-than-life sculpture, created by Terry Carrigan of Skywater Studios, will be featured at this weekend’s “Oddmall” expo.

Craig Chambers takes orders while working behind the bar at Obsidian Beer Hall on Friday, April 12, 2024, in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Obsidian Beer Hall takes over former Toggle’s space in downtown Everett

Beyond beer, the Black-owned taphouse boasts a chill vibe with plush sofas, art on the walls and hip-hop on the speakers.

Lewis the cat weaves his way through a row of participants during Kitten Yoga at the Everett Animal Shelter on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Downward cat? At kitten yoga in Everett, it’s all paw-sitive vibes

It wasn’t a stretch for furry felines to distract participants. Some cats left with new families — including a reporter.

The Ford Maverick has seating for five passengers. Its cargo bed is 4.5 feet long. (Photo provided by Ford)
2024 Ford Maverick compact pickup undergoes a switch

The previous standard engine is now optional. The previous optional engine is now standard.

Dalton Dover performs during the 2023 CMA Fest on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Spotify House in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

The Red Hot Chili Pipers come to Edmonds, and country artist Dalton Dover performs Friday as part of the Everett Stampede.

2024 Genesis G70 Sport Prestige RWD (Photo provided by Genesis)
Genesis Unveils 2024 G70 Sports Prestige Sedan

Combining power, luxury, and innovation, Genesis raises the bar yet again with enhanced performance and cutting-edge features in its latest model.

wisteria flower in Japan
Give your garden a whole new dimension with climbing plants

From clematis and jasmine to wisteria and honeysuckle, let any of these vine varieties creep into your heart – and garden.

Lynnwood
New Jersey company acquires Lynnwood Land Rover dealership

Land Rover Seattle, now Land Rover Lynnwood, has been purchased by Holman, a 100-year-old company.

Great Plant Pick: Dark Beauty Epimedium

What: New foliage on epimedium grandiflorum Dark Beauty, also known as Fairy… Continue reading

While not an Alberto, Diego or Bruno, this table is in a ‘Giacometti style’

Works by the Giacometti brothers are both valuable and influential. Other artists’ work is often said to be in their style.

Suomenlinna
Soul sisters Helsinki and Tallinn are pearls of the Baltic

While they have their own stories to tell, these cities share a common heritage of Swedish and Russian influences.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.