For anyone that knows me, knows I am not a jewelry person. I admire it, and admire my friends that can wear it, but I, sadly, am not one of those people. And the more understated, the better. I told Tim when we got married that he was a lucky man (for many reasons), since I didn’t like jewelry very much and he would save a lot of money in that area.
But after Conner was born, I found a ring that I fell in love with. It was a diamond cluster ring in the shape of a star or flower, depending on your perspective and I wanted it sooooooo bad. So as a birthday/thanks-for-pushing-out-a-huge-baby gift, he got it for me and over the last 19 months I fell so deeply in love with this ring. I went from wearing it every now and then (I didn’t want to mess it up) to wearing it everyday. Anytime anyone complimented it, I beamed proudly and told them it was a gift from my wonderful husband.
The last few weeks have been a little rough as my body is adjusting to pregnancy again, and this week was no exception. Tuesday, after a long morning (when I had to get my root canal re-treated), and stressful afternoon, I was frantically getting stuff ready for our small group meeting that night. I went to take my rings off to wash my hands and gasped when my diamond ring was not on my finger. I went into panic mode, literally tore the kitchen apart looking for it, and then began to cry at the thought of it being lost at the grocery store, or worse, in the yard with all those blasted leaves. I called everywhere I had been, left my name and number and said a prayer that there is a kind soul out there who finds it and turns it in. I kept thinking about it all night, and every time I did I would start to cry.
I moped around most of the day yesterday (and I’m a great moper - just ask my mom), hating that I had lost it. I was putting laundry away and found the box that it came in and as my eyes welled up a little, a thought came to me: It’s just a ring. It’s just a ring. It’s not my home, or my child or husband, or anything else that can’t be replaced. It’s just a ring. It’s just a possession that, while I loved it so much, I can not take with me when it’s time to leave this world. I tucked the box away so I can be reminded anytime I think about it or anything else that I lose in the future.
I am so incredibly blessed in every area of my life, and I feel so silly now for wasting so much energy on mourning the loss of a ring. The truth is it can be replaced, and we will try (we’re going to check into our home insurance, and in the meantime I start saving my monies), but who knows, maybe I won’t want to replace it. But it’s all okay now - it’s just a ring.
Amidst all the ick that I have been feeling the last few weeks, I have really come to realize just what an amazing, supportive group of friends I have, of all levels of encouragement. While I appreciate all the prayers and heartfelt words that have been expressed, I also appreciate those who just want to make me smile. Kelly is great at that. I mean, look at what an amazing e-card she sent me, so warm and heartfelt
See what I mean? So encouraging and honest. Really, Kelly, thank you for giving me a great laugh this morning (and for those who want to see more incredibly offensive yet hysterical ecards, go here). And if you’re in the area…and you happen to stumble upon a diamond cluster ring, can you give me a call?
Emily says:
Ohymgoodness that\’s awful! I\’m so sorry you lost your ring, but you\’re so right, it\’s just a possession. I really hope insurance helps pay for some of it, or better case, someone turns it in. Thinking of you…
November 8th, 2007 at 6:31 am
Kelly says:
Okay I am blushing. Didn’t know you were publishing it! But I am thrilled you got a good laugh because I did sending it wishing I could be there to see your face when you opened it. I love you!!!! Oh and if I find your ring I am turning it into a size 5 and claiming it as my own. No honesty present in my body.
November 8th, 2007 at 6:34 am
Ryan says:
That’s my wife (sigh)….
November 8th, 2007 at 6:39 am
Amanda says:
Glad to here your doing better. I thought about you and prayed for you a lot yesterday.
November 8th, 2007 at 7:54 am
Heather H says:
Candace - I’m sorry about your ring. It’s hard when we lose something that carries such significance to an important time our lives. Thanks for sharing your perspective - and that hilarious card from kelly!
November 8th, 2007 at 10:21 am
Christie says:
That really sucks about the ring. But that card is hilarious!
November 8th, 2007 at 10:39 am
oh amanda says:
Not sure if I should laugh or blush at the card! lol! I’ll laugh!
Stinks about your ring! Praying for you!!
November 8th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Diane says:
Oh, so sorry! I’m glad you’re through the mopey part though. This morning I accidentally recorded over 2 1/2 minutes of baby video, and I felt all pukey about it. I’ve been reminding myself the same sorts of things all day! At least I recorded my son over the top of - well, my son.
November 8th, 2007 at 11:17 am
Natalie says:
I’m so sorry! I really hope it turns up somewhere unexpected. I lost a diamond earring in college, it was the gift Eric gave me our first Christmas together - and I was very upset. {{HUGS}}
November 8th, 2007 at 11:21 am
Natalie says:
I’m so sorry! I really hope it turns up somewhere unexpected. I lost a diamond earring in college, it was the gift Eric gave me our first Christmas together - and I was very upset. {{HUGS}}
November 8th, 2007 at 11:21 am
Elizabeth (formerly devriesthree) says:
I feel your pain with lost objects. I ost a number of things in this last pregnancy, including my mind
just kidding. Anyhow, I trust that it will turn up somewhere…
November 8th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Rachel says:
Hey Candace…I completely understand realizing the value of life some days…We may be poor, but we are healthy and happy…And that is truely all that matters…Sorry about your ring…I really hope you get it back.
November 8th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
bee says:
I’m quite the moper myself. What say we have a “mope-off”??
I’m very sorry about your ring. I do hope that it turns up. Or you get an even bigger one for pushing out #2!
I love that ecard site! I’ve gotten a few from there! They always make me laugh!
November 8th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Laughing Daisies » Because some things deserve their own special post says:
[…] So remember about a month ago when I was crying the blues about losing my beautiful diamond ring? […]
December 11th, 2007 at 7:42 pm