about wedding rings...

The truth of it is I don't wear jewelry too often. I got my ears pierced when I was about 30 so I usually have something stuck in those holes. But, other than a watch, I usually am un-bedazzled. Well, except for my wedding rings. This is our 30th year so those rings have really been a part of almost my entire adult life. Now, I have an anniversary ring.

So, the problem has been this: where do you wear that kind of a ring? I was willing to forgo the wedding rings since 2 days before our anniversary the diamond fell out of my engagement ring. And, yes, over the years for some reason that ring just doesn't slide off my finger like it used to. I credit it to the beginnings of arthritis, but it might be due to that middle-age spread that seems to be creeping in all over my body. In any case I knew that after I pulled off the wedding rings it would be near impossible to get them back on. No problem! E said he would have the diamond put back in & have the ring sized. Well, I guess it's about time since my daughters are afraid I will lose my left ring finger due to the occlusion of the blood flow. So that problem could be solved. But after 30 years can your wedding ring be replaced? I mean really?

Enter the night of our 30th. We go out to dinner just the 2 of us leaving my folks at home to re-heat leftovers. E brings out a card. OH, GREAT! With the distractions from the last few days including a rotten cold, menopause, & trying to keep myself & my ancient parents cool in the house, I totally realize that I have NOT taken the time to get an anniversary card that indicates only a small part of my love & devotion to my husband. Way to go! But after he pulls out the card he brings out a small box. Of course I realize it's going to be a ring. But, wait a minute!! My rings are still at home on the dresser waiting to go to the jeweler. My eyes well up with tears as I open that little felt box & see a beautiful anniversary ring with the shiny diamonds set into the thin band. OH, MY! He did get me another ring! We had started talking about a band with some diamonds in it over 20 years ago because my job & house work often made me get my ring stuck in a bed sheet or towel or whatever. And, now, here was that gorgeous ring!

So, now, here is the dilemma. I tried for several days wearing the anniversary ring with my wedding rings. Which by the way, E had the diamond re-set & the rings sized so that I can actually wear them comfortably. But as of last night, I think I will put the anniversary ring on my right ring finger & keep my left one as before...wearing that same ring that was given to me as a commitment of my husband's love & dedication to me. The inscription is still there from over 30 years ago. I know because when I got the ring back from the jeweler's I checked to see if he rubbed out the words. But, there it is..."KEEPER OF MY HEART 7-16-77" The same as it has been for all these years. And I pray for many years to come.