The Sunday after Labor Day, Caroline ran down the stairs on her way to church. I stared at her feet in disbelief. “Caroline!” I exclaimed. “Your shoes! No white shoes after Labor Day.” The tone in my voice was as dramatic as if a robber had broken into the house. “Oh, Mama! I forgot. It is after Labor Day!” She ran upstairs and reappeared wearing a darker, more appropriate color. To my relief, the child understood the importance of the unspoken rule of no-white-shoes after Labor Day.” “Oh.” I reflected. “I have done a wonderful job raising a true Southerner young lady. She did not protest, fuss or whine…..she protected herself from scandal and preserved our family honor.
