Moments in our journeys.

Children in our own community quietly carrying burden

There are moments in this journey with Soleful Steps that stay with me forever. Moments that remind me why this work matters so deeply and why quitting is never an option.

Recently,I received a message from a teacher about a young student in need of shoes. Like many of the requests we receive throughout Spokane County, there was no long explanation — just a quiet request for help.

When the student came down to try on a new pair of shoes, I had no idea what I was about to see.

The shoes he walked in wearing were completely worn through, torn apart from daily use, and nearly a size and a half too small. Because of physical challenges, tying his shoes was difficult, but they were the only pair he had, and he wore them every single day throughout the school year.

Seeing those shoes broke my heart.

But at the same time, it filled me with joy because, in that moment, Soleful Steps was able to help.

The smile on that young student’s face when he put on his new sneakers is something I will never forget. What impacted me just as much was how excited he was to throw the old pair away. To him, those shoes represented struggle, pain, and limitation. His new shoes represented dignity, confidence, and a fresh start.

After he left, I pulled those old shoes back out of the trash.

A reminder that there are children in our own community quietly carrying burdens most people never see. A reminder that something as simple as properly fitting shoes can completely change how a child walks into school, participates in life, and views themselves.

This is why Soleful Steps must continue to grow and remain a pillar in Spokane County.

Because no child should ever have to walk through life in pain simply because help was unavailable.

~ Eugene Burgess