The Ring

I don’t wear jewelry. I never pierced my ears so the only earrings I have are clip-ons and they hurt after a few hours. I have a few long necklaces and some nice lapel pins, but I often forget to put anything on.

The one piece I did wear religiously was my wedding/engagement ring. It was a fixture. Every morning, I put it on and every evening, I took it off before climbing into bed. It became part of my daily rituals.

It is a gorgeous set of rings, and I loved their unique design from the moment Paul presented them to me. I had them soldered together shortly after the wedding. I had to stop wearing them during my pregnancy and after our son was born. But, several years later, I had them unsoldered and resized so I could wear them once again.

After the divorce, I offered them to our son, but he didn’t want them. So, now they are safely stored away with the original receipt and appraisal in a safe location. Someday, he may want them – or someone will appreciate their value and beauty.

Twenty years into our marriage, I asked my husband for a diamond anniversary band. He always had an excuse why we couldn’t afford one. Now I understand why it wasn’t a priority.

As I continue this post-divorce journey, I’ve been looking for a way to honor my marriage. I consider 24+ years of faithful marriage a huge accomplishment. I’m proud of that part of my life. I don’t want to wear my rings again, even on my right hand. And no one makes a medal for surviving 24 years of marriage.

I found my answer last weekend, while shopping a sale at a local big box store.

Costume rings were 60% off. A basic $26 anniversary style band filled with little crystals was a mere $10.40. It fits perfectly on my right ring finger. It’s probably going to turn my finger green and the crystals will fall out within a year, but that’s okay.

For now, it’s a reminder of my commitment to my vows, a badge of honor for a time that is past and a reminder of what I value moving forward.