I was given a pair of autographed shoes by my uncle and a family friend (who lives with my uncle) for Christmas this past year.
My grandmother had gone to a ballet in Grand Rapids, MI with my uncle and the family friend and had met Maria Kowroski. Maria is actually the family friend's niece. In complete innocence, I had told my grandmother that she should've gotten an autograph for me. I had danced through much of my childhood, but gave it up, and I was naturally a fan of Maria, especially since I had heard so much about her.
To my surprise, my uncle and his friend took me aside this Christmas and gave me a pair of ballet shoes autographed by Maria. One shoe says "Dear Kelsey, With lots of love, Maria Kowroski" and the other says "With love, Maria Kowroski". What makes them even more special is that they are from her private collection of shoes (she has kept them all since she started dancing). They are truly one of a kind. Although I haven't met Maria officially yet, she seems like a wonderful person. :-)
Anyway, just thought I'd share because it's a pretty unique story and I'm pretty proud of them!
