The Past, The Present and The Future (Ronnie's Last Gift to Me)

15 years ago

Years ago when we still had young'uns at home...and actually got $$ BACK on Income Taxes, Ronnie & I would spend that money a hundred times (in our minds) before we actually got the check!. I'd always always ask him if he was going to give me some of it to be JUST mine..to spend anyway I wanted. He always did! He was the only one working then, so any time I got extra money, I felt so RICH!! I usually ended up blowing it on little things here and there...and never really had anything to show for it! 'Course the kids grew up and most of the time we ended up owing taxes instead of getting anything back!

So,this year when we found out we'd be getting the Stimulus Check...I started kidding him about giving me half of it...to spend anyway I wanted. He'd told me I could have half and yep...I could get anything I wanted! My plan was to get another laptop so I could spend more time with him in the livingroom, instead of being in the next room. We got the check the Saturday after he got out of the hospital. He started feeling worse, and spending that money and getting a laptop was the last thing on my mind.

After he died..the laptop just wasn't important anymore. Then, one morning I was sitting on the porch with my coffee and I thought....I'm getting me a ring with the money he'd promised me! Something that would actually MEAN something to me. Didn't me take long to decide it HAD to a Past/Present/Future ring (with 3 diamonds)!! One diamond for the "Past" 40+yrs. I had with him. One diamond for the "Present", and one diamond for my "Future" without him!

So, on Monday my best friend & I spent the day going from place to place, looking and looking. I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for...but knew I'd know it when I saw it. I didn't want something with big stones...my hands are too small, but I didn't want little-bitty "chips" either. We'd about decided I wasn't going to find "it" and had already planned to go shopping again Thursday (her next day off). We went to one other place..and there it was! Sitting right there in the counter! And to make it sweeter...it was in the price range I'd set for myself! SOLD!!! I feel like it's his last *gift* to me...even though he isn't here!

Here it is. Not the greatest pic..but it's so danged hard to take pictures of jewelry!

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Comments (48)

maryanntx
15 years ago
It's beautiful, CB!!! I think that was such a neat idea to buy the ring. It will always hold such dear memories for you, and help you look to the future.
sandy_in_ia
15 years ago
Beautiful!!! And I am betting that Ronnie put that right where you found it! And, he has a big grin on his face watching you enjoy it! ((CB))
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molly109
15 years ago
That is so beautiful - the story and the ring.

Hugs.
msmarion
15 years ago
I agree it is beautiful, as is the story behind it. I'm sure you will cherish it always. Now I'm off to find tissues...it's too early to be crying.
junebugs
15 years ago
Well there went my makeup, first thing this morning! What a wonderful and sweet idea. I know Ronnie must be smiling from Heaven.
roseluver
15 years ago
What a tribute to Ronnie..fantastic thing for you to have done.
okwriter
15 years ago
Oh, Brenda! That is GORGEOUS and such an appropriate gift. I think he IS there with you in spirit--and he must surely be pleased.

Continued prayers for you and your family from Oklahoma ~
alisande
15 years ago
That's a lovely ideaÂand a beautiful ring.

After my husband died I gave the kids and myself one more Christmas present from him: A Tiffany bracelet for my daughter and new cameras for my son and me. Jewelry and cameras were things Joe had given me in the past.
sharon_fl
15 years ago
The best story of a great shared moment you must have stored in your 'Memories Forever' with Ron. Your new 'sparkler' will bring you much joy each time you look at it.
A neighbor of mine lost her DH suddenly a year ago. Saw her the other day & she proudly showed me her new necklace. She had taken her hubby's gold wedding band to a jeweler who shaped it into a heart, added a bale so it could hang from her gold chain her DH had given her his last Xmas. It's sentimentality like what you & my neighbor did, that keeps them closer to you!
ruthieg__tx
15 years ago
Beautiful ...Every time you look at it, you will be reminded of him...that's wonderful.
lydia1959
15 years ago
Beautiful ring and story ((CB))!
marilyn_c
15 years ago
A beautiful ring and a beautiful story. I know Ronnie is smiling.
grammahony
15 years ago
Oh I believe he made sure you checked that 1 last store, CB. And there you found it. What a beautiful story, and ring. Hugs.
Leslie
Nita__AZ
15 years ago
Absolutely beautiful. What a wonderful way to keep your memories of Ronnie. I am sure he is jumping with joy that you found the ring exactly where he put it.

((((Brenda))))
clubm
15 years ago
A beautiful ring and a beautiful story. Wear it good health.
wendylynders
15 years ago
I love it! What a wonderful story. I am glad you got yourself something with meaning!

Here is a link that might be useful: I love my autistic son!
monica_pa Grieves
15 years ago
I know it will always be a beautiful reminder of Ronnie that, on your finger, you will carry with you always.
wanda_va
15 years ago
The ring is beautiful, and the story is especially touching. It is your tribute to the wonderful life you had with Ronnie, and I'm sure he's smiling about your purchase. Hugs!
Toni S
15 years ago
What a great idea, your beautiful ring will be a daily reminder of your life with Ronnie. Your post touched me this morning.
Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
15 years ago
I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for...but knew I'd know it when I saw it.
I see what you mean...that ring says gorgeous and perfect!

Thanks for sharing it and your wonderful memory story.

Sue
Granlan_TX
15 years ago
What a lovely post, Brenda; and the ring is breathtaking, especially knowing why you wanted it.

You are in my special thoughts..you and your family.

Granlan
gillian_41
15 years ago
Thank you for the lovely story Brenda.

Gillian.
pattico_gw
15 years ago
You make me want to go to the park where Denny is working this morning...and give him a big Hug...

Every day is precious. I need to remember not to get crabby when I have to repeat everything I say. And not to get short with him when he forgets everything...

Because I know we are not promised another day...and I want to make the best of today...

Make the best of everyday...you never know when it could be the last...

Thanks for your story...and the reminder.

Hugs for you Brenda.

The ring is beautiful.

patti
dirt_yfingernails
15 years ago
Oh, my. What a breathtaking story. I can just feel yours and Ronnie's love radiating from here. Thanks.
Jodi_SoCal
15 years ago
Gorgeous!

Jodi-
Linda Wayman
15 years ago
Brenda, what a sweet, special story and what a tribute to the love you and Ronnie shared for all those years.

You just created an heirloom. Make sure the history of the ring stays alive so many years down the road your grandkids and great grandkids will know the love story behind the ring.

Linda
nodakgal
15 years ago
Ohmygoodness Brenda!
The story and ring are beautiful and tugged my heart strings too.
(((Brenda))) May you always smile when you gaze upon that ring!!!!
gadgets
15 years ago
I'm smiling through my tears as I read your story and view his precious gift to you.

Shirley
margad
15 years ago
What a lovely idea. The ring is beautiful
stephmc72
15 years ago
That brought me to tears...it's absolutely perfect and beautiful!! I'm sure he had it sitting there for you in the corner, just waiting for you to find it.
Zipper_TX
15 years ago
((((Brenda)))))

Beautiful ring and story ;0)
grinch_gut
15 years ago
What a great story to read this morning! Stacy
sue_va
15 years ago
Beautiful ring and beautiful story! A great tribute to a good marriage and a way to memorialize your life with Ronnie.

Sue
Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
15 years ago
How perfect.

Gayle
janie_ga
15 years ago
Oh, that makes me want to cry- it is so sweet! He would be proud of you.
Mystical Manns
15 years ago
What a wonderful thing to do!
jannie
15 years ago
What a wonderful story! Ronnie must be so happy!
flowerpotmama
15 years ago
That's a beautiful story! It made me teary. And what a lovely gift to yourself. Jason and I are the same way with our refund cheque..it's usually spent long before we get it. LOL

Danielle
vicki_lv_nv
15 years ago
Brenda...This story gave me a huge lump in my throat. You just made the best purchase in your lifetime. Treasure it, along with the memories it brings.

Vicki
trinitytx
15 years ago
Brenda,
You have touched me in so many ways with your story. It was just perfect when you said "I will know it when I see it" ...and there it was.
it is beautiful, and I hope you can close your eyes and put your hand over the ring and rock in a chair and remember the best times that you and Ronnie had.
Have your kids seen it yet? I really would love to hear what their reaction to it is, or maybe you would rather keep it to yourself and Ronnie, hmmmmm?
What a wonderful story, you are one of a kind my friend.

Trin
Pieonear
15 years ago
What a beautiful story and beautiful ring.
donna37
15 years ago
Beautiful ring and what a sweet story to go with it.
heather_on
15 years ago
Beautiful! Hugs to you CB. What a lovely tribute you chose to honor your DH.
susanjf_gw
15 years ago
that is about the sweetest thing, and what a wonderful idea...

my mother wore my dad's watch every day of the some 30 years she was a widow. i've put it away for my oldest ds...
tami_ohio
15 years ago
Add my name to all the above posts! They've said everything I wanted to say!

Tami
williamsburgjane
15 years ago
Beautiful ring and beautiful story! I have to think Ronnie was just guiding you towards that store too.
Lindsey_CA
15 years ago
What a wonderful story and a beautiful ring!
teresava
15 years ago
Brenda-Good for you! That is a lovely idea and story! I hope you are able to smile and think about Ronnie and those 40 years everytime you see your ring!

The Past, The Present and The Future (Ronnie's Last *Gift* to Me)

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The Past, The Present and The Future (Ronnie's Last Gift to Me)