Years ago, my wife and I were in Seattle. One afternoon, we found ourselves in the @REI mothership (as one does), looking at all the cool stuff. In the shoe area, a young man was helping a customer try on hiking boots. This moment in time, seemingly ephemeral, lives on. /1

The customer made her selection and thanked the young man. He asked her about new socks and she politely declined. "Ma'am, new socks will change your life". Jackie and I looked at each other, and tried not to smile. The young man was so earnest, so insistent on this fact. /2

Naturally, we bought socks. The nice wool ones that cost $12/pair. Our lives did change. Our son was born, we built a house, I took on a new job, we lost loved ones. "New socks will change your life" became something we'd tell each other when we needed cheering up. /3

Sometimes, I wonder about that young man at REI, now 20-some years older. Has he done great things? Is he still selling shoes? Does he have any idea of the impact that his philosophy had on a couple of gawking midwesterners? /4

My sock drawer is a mess. The unmatched pile has 6 brands in 12 colors. I just ordered 16 pairs of new socks. The nice wool ones. When they arrive, I'm putting all the old socks in the rag pile.

I'll be wearing new socks on November 3rd. Let change begin.

Well, hello everyone. Let's all change our socks and support each other as we stand in the voting lines.

#NewSocksWillChangeYourLife

The folks at @REI reached out and offered a gift certificate. A nice gesture and appreciated. I have socks, so I'll take their contribution and add my own in a donation to @OKCityRescue.

Please, be kind to yourselves, your feet, and those who need warm socks.

Also, vote.