*This post was sponsored by Skechers Canada, meaning we received compensation and/or product in exchange for our review. As always, opinions are our own. View our Disclosure for more information*
This year is one marked with BIG changes for many in our family, one being the retirement of my Mama. She’s a true female role model in my life…a bit of a trailblazer when she traded starting family like all her peers were in her early 20s to instead pursue a higher education (not common of 70s women) and obtained her Masters of Social Work. She`s been practicing as a Senior Social Worker over 35 years, ending her career at Mackenzie Health Hospital doing some of her most important work – helping so many through some of life’s toughest circumstances and loss in the Women & Child Program and Surgery unit. She’s deeply compassionate and gifted at what she does – “irreplaceable”, “earth angel”, and “made for the role” she’s carried out are just a few of the mentions made at her retirement parties as she sails off into this new life transition.
Despite her full life as a busy Mom and Nana who worked full-time, she also does lots of creative projects and pursues many passions on the side, including genealogy, writing and blogging! Yup…she gave me the blogger bug 😊 and the insatiable desire to stay curious and inspired. Her capacity is huge – and not just for her own life, but in her ability to think outside of herself…always the first to be there for others when times get tough. She’s also the backbone of our family and a huge support to my sister and me in raising our families…her grandkids adore her and appreciate the time she takes to be present in their lives. I’m not so secretly thrilled to have more time with her (and more help with the kiddos this Summer 😉).
She makes us all very proud and I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this new life chapter with her than just some good ole’ quality time (and a bit of mom twinning!…who says that ever has to end!) We headed to a park near where she worked and also the town both Andrew and I grew up in – Richmond Hill, ON. My Mom has always loved photography (ever wonder who I get it from😉), but we all know what happens when you’re the photog of the bunch – you never get in them! So, I wanted to get some fun mother-daughter shots we can both cherish.
Our favourite part of the outfit was definitely the shoes! We adore the Skechers line for the whole family. My Mom has worn them since they entered the Canadian market, especially since she was on her feet a lot in her job. There are so many styles we both love from the line, and our newest fave – the GOWalk Joy collection. I recently wore my pair at an amusement park with the kids for 7 hours straight, and both of us for getting around town to get all the things done. These are definitely Mom/Nana must-haves …like pillows for the feet for our on-the-move lifestyles, and with innovative features like breathable, mesh fabric on the upper part of the shoe, and the new Goga Max ® insole within. My Mom selected the GO Walk Joy Terrific in a mix of 2 of her favourite colours – Pink + Coral – and I picked the GOWalk Joy in light Grey – so versatile to wear to the Yoga Studio or pair with jeans for brunch with friends or run all the mom life errands! The GOWalk Joy style is truly an everyday comfort shoe, made for women of all ages and stages of life who want an athleisure look while maintaining a sense of style.
Some people worry about loved ones heading into retirement…that it may throw them off their feet…not sure what to do with their newly found freedom from the workforce. I have no worries about my mama and with all the loves and interests she has, I think she`ll thrive as she heads off into this new life chapter…and now has the best footwear to keep her moving forward as she does. Off to go plan our family celebration on this amazing life milestone for our Mom & Nana <3
Love & light,
It was so much fun doing this post with Sonya. The sketcher shoes really are great. With some foot problems like a bunion on my right foot, they are very comfortable for long walks. The colours can match any outfit. Yes onward to Retirement from a workplace but not from work.
Congratulations on your retirement Barb, enjoy life to the fullest with your family. Maybe some day plan on trip down East???
That was such a nice write up that Sonya did for you, you truly are loved by your girls…
Love you, Edna & Reed.
Thanks so much, Edna + family! She makes us all very proud xo