‘I will die in these sneakers.’ Ga. lady loves sneakers — regardless of polio’s results : NPR

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MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

It is Friday. And right here on MORNING EDITION, meaning it is time for StoryCorps. In 1950, Shirley Duhart bought polio. She was solely 2 years outdated on the time. And though she struggled to stroll, sneakers turned crucial to her. She got here to StoryCorps with Dale Strasser, her physician for the previous three a long time.

SHIRLEY DUHART: I used to be raised in excessive poverty in Vine Metropolis, Ga., and it was a segregated space on the time. However though my mom labored lengthy hours, the neighbors had been very caring and seemed out for us. And also you dare not create an issue since you knew you had been going to must reply for it when your mom got here house. However I believe numerous that additionally drove my independence…

DALE STRASSER: Yeah.

DUHART: …To attempt to be as little of an issue as I may very well be. Someday I used to be within the yard taking part in. And abruptly, I stated, mama. Mama, I can not stroll. They realized it was polio, and he or she was very fearful as a result of that was the pandemic of the time. Once I was younger, somewhat lady, I had the full-length iron brace, and I wore the high-top oxfords.

STRASSER: And people aren’t actual fashionable sneakers.

DUHART: These usually are not fashionable in any respect. They seemed like army boots, virtually. Then slowly, I improved some. And once I was within the eighth grade, we purchased some little pumps. Plenty of the neighbors got here out on the porch – stated, oh, Shirley bought on some costume sneakers. It was form of like an enormous occasion as a result of that was a detailed neighborhood.

STRASSER: And the way did that make you’re feeling?

DUHART: It made me really feel that I had somewhat little bit of management over my scenario, contemplating I could not management the truth that I did have that illness.

STRASSER: I do bear in mind from our very first encounter, I advised in a diplomatic method that you just actually ought to think about another sneakers that would offer somewhat extra stability. Effectively, I heard in no unsure phrases that these sneakers weren’t going to be modified.

DUHART: And also you heard me, and also you’re most likely my longest doctor that I’ve had. I wished individuals to see extra than simply my incapacity.

STRASSER: Proper.

DUHART: I wished them to see a complete individual and a classy individual, an individual with a cheerful spirit. You understand, I believed that we had been all architects of our personal life, and all you want to do is simply make up your thoughts and go for it. However since perhaps 20 years in the past, I am not as cell, and all these cute, little sneakers do not match fairly in addition to that they had earlier than.

STRASSER: However I do know your persona. You are going to stay in cost.

DUHART: Oh, sure. That is the best way I’m. Do not let anyone else outline you. Outline your self. And you already know, I am 74, however I hope to stay to be 95. And I will die in these sneakers.

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MARTIN: That is Shirley Duhart and Dale Strasser in Atlanta. Their StoryCorps interview is archived within the Library of Congress.

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