Repurposing with a purpose

I was the fourth of 5 children, the only girl. My 3 older brothers were a bit older and pretty much did their own thing. My younger brother was basically my best friend growing up. We played together and were pretty much inseparable until hitting our teen years, then we drifted apart somewhat even though when asked which of my brothers I wanted in my wedding, it was no question. My younger brother died 10 years ago from a cancer that was supposed to have killed him 25 years ago so he did his best to fight for as long as he could. I do regret not having a better relationship with him in our later years. This photo is our toy box that we shared as kids. My mother kept it all these years in her home and it was passed on to me when she died. With my youngest child being almost 13, I really don't have a use for a true toy box. Those days are behind me until grandchildren come along. That doesn't mean that the old red toy box doesn't have a use in our house. It is still a reminder that I am a mother and children still live here. We use it for shoes. With 5 people currently in the house we have a lot of shoes that don't always make it to their appropriate rooms. When they are left behind, they get to go live in the toy box which sits in my family room. The photo inset gives you a peek inside. I couldn't think of a better use for a well worn, well loved old friend.

Settings: ISO 400, F 4.0, SS 1/15, focal length 33mm. Editing in PSE5.