The Ring

A couple of weeks ago my dad asked me if I wore jewelery.  I responded that I did not.  Then he asked what my thoughts were on heirloom jewelery, like a family ring.  I responded that we had nothing like that in our family.  Then he demanded my ring size.  It hit me.  Freak.  For graduation Peggy was giving me a family ring.  It seemed like something her family would do.  I've rehearsed in my mind several times since then how I would respond to being given a ring from Peggy, which would seem more of a welcome to the family kind of thing.  Tonight, as we sat in Tucano's with the meat stick on red so as not to be interrupted, I was given the gifts.  A card from my dad and Peggy, a book from Papa Callahan that he had written, and a card with a letter in it from Grammy Callahan.

Dear Jessica,

I have been contemplating for days now on how to convey my thoughts to you.  We hardly know each other.  Because I am old and wise, well old, I can tell you that blood ties are very strong.  Even though I wasn't there to comfort you when you might have been angry with your mom or dad or brothers, even though I wasn't there for your first day of school to take pictures or there to take you out for ice cream you have been and will always be in my heart.  I often thought when you were very young, "where does that child come from"!  Who goes to school in the summer!  None of my kids did.  Not of their own accord anyway.  I am amazed at the way you can play the piano so easily.  I shouldn't have been because that talent is prevalent on my side of the family.  Your great grandfather Ray Hallet was so very talented.  He played the piano by ear.  He heard it he could play it.  Your great, great grandmother, Daisy Hallet played the piano for the silent movies.  She had to make it up as the movie played.  In a dark theater no less.  I can tell you how strong family bonds are but some day you'll know for yourself.  I am so proud of you.  I'm proud that you have been strong in our faith.  That you are graduating from college.

I felt badly that I couldn't afford a gift that would be comparable to the occasion of graduating from college.  Your dad asked if I had something personal I would like to give you.  I thought that was a wonderful idea.  I hope you do to.  My grandmother Lettie Chase was always there on the first day of school, when I ran away from home, when I was sick.  I could literally run through the woods to grandmother's house.  No I didn't have a red hood or cape.  My grandmother was wonderful.  All us grandchildren thought we were her favorite.  I can't remember when she gave me her ring, (probably 40 years ago) but I remember how I felt.  I was so proud that she gave it to ME.  I am sure she will be so pleased that it was passed down to her great, great granddaughter.  I am so happy to be giving it to you.  I hope you like it.  "Oh"! It has a story.  I had at one time lost it.  It was missing for several months.  I was really heartbroken.  So I prayed about it.  I asked if Heavenly Father could please let me know where I had left it.  He did.  While I was taking a shower no less.  (that wasn't really part of the story) I saw in my mind exactly where I had left it.  But so sad because I didnt' stand a chance of getting it back.  Your grandfather had had an operation in a hospital in Providence, RI.  I had used the restroom and had taken the ring off while washing my hands because it was a little big for me and I didn't want to lose it.  I had left it on the sink in a restroom in that huge hospital.  I just knew I would never see it again.  I couldn't part with it without at least trying to get it back so I called the hospital.  It was in the lost and found.  Such a happy ending.

I love you, I am very proud of you.  Congratulations on your graduation.

Love, Grammy

This means something.  More then the expensive ancient ring I wear on my finger.  This letter acknowledges the feelings that I've always had and states the love my grandmother has for me.  This is my family history, and I am part of this thing that is bigger than just myself.  I am part of a family that extends into the eternities.  She has always been my favorite relative.  It also shows me where I got my talents from, and not just the piano part.  My grandmother and I write the same.  We tell the same jokes.  And we both have to insert that we made a discovery while in the shower, even though it's never part of the story.