My father died right before the Thunderdome started. I thought about not participating this year. At the last minute, I changed my plans and ordered this black pair of Alden boots - a tribute to my father and his preferred color when it came to apparel. I wore them hard and took care of them well, just as he would have. There are lots of things I like about these boots and some things I don’t. Wearing them regularly was an exercise in acceptance - not unlike the grieving process. There were happy moments (these boots won the album cover contest!) and an equal number of sad days. For better or worse, these boots will always mark the time since my father passed - telling the story of the miles I’ve walked since losing him.