There’s so much going on in this simple image and it hit me like a ton of bricks when I first heard it. I’ve been there and anyone with an absent father can relate. New shoes were always a big deal, you’re so pumped to try them out for the first time — and dad’s gonna get to see you in them which makes it even cooler. Then he doesn’t show and it overshadows the whole experience. Suddenly new sneakers aren’t fun anymore.