Heirlooms ~ Part 2

I consider myself blessed to have so many meaningful reminders of the women I come from. These outward symbols are constant reminders of the stories I've been told and the memories I carry around in my heart.

When I was in high school, it was time to place orders for class rings. Thankfully, I had a mom who saw the big picture and was able to see past the here and now. She strongly encouraged me to think about getting a good, timeless piece of jewelry, rather than a class ring that I'd wear for a couple years and later toss into a drawer in my jewelry box. I liked her line of thinking.

It was at this time that I entered a love story that had been over 40 years in the making.

While serving in Okinawa in World War II, my grandpa mailed an engagement ring to my grandma. I try to imagine the bliss and the bittersweet emotions that must have been involved in receiving a package like that!

My grandpa returned safely from the war, my grandparents were married, and they settled into the All-American life. In the early 70's, they both came to know Jesus as their Savior.

I've always greatly admired, loved, and respected my grandparents. Our family was devastated when my grandpa was diagnosed with cancer, but we marveled at the way God used him in his sickness to testify of his Savior's grace. It was only 6 months from his cancer diagnosis to his Homegoing.

When my grandpa passed away, my grandma had the diamond removed from her engagement ring and placed into a pendant. And here's where the two story lines come together. My grandma offered me the empty setting of her engagement ring and I, of course, gladly received it! My parents invited me to choose a gemstone, and I chose a lovely blue topaz, with the addition of a couple of extra diamonds on either side. I proudly and humbly wear this sweet token of love...a reminder not only of the love my grandparents shared and passed on to their family, but also of God's faithfulness in drawing each one of our family members to Himself.

"Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you. I have been as a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent...I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens. You who have done great things, O God, who is like you." Psalm 71:6-9, 14-19