The Case of the Missing Left Shoe

A lighthearted investigation into the mysteries of the family entryway.

There is a particular kind of household mystery that unfolds five minutes before everyone needs to leave: one shoe is present, and its partner has apparently accepted a position in another state.

The search begins in sensible places. Under the bench? No. Behind the door? No. Inside the backpack? Somehow there is a crayon, a tiny rock and a receipt from three weeks ago, but not the shoe.

Then the theories arrive. Perhaps the dog borrowed it. Perhaps it went to soccer practice alone. Perhaps the washing machine, already suspected of taking socks, has expanded its operations.

Eventually someone spots the missing shoe on a shelf where nobody remembers putting it. Everyone celebrates for approximately four seconds before realizing the lunchbox has disappeared.

If your mornings occasionally resemble a detective novel written by a tired comedian, you have company. A basket by the door may help tomorrow. For today, finding both shoes counts as a victory.

Sharing our family with yours — one beautifully imperfect day at a time.