Awww, Shell, this remembrance is precious, as precious as the keepsake ring your dad gifted you 💓 I hope you find the ring, and bring back all those lovely memories of him and all he meant to you. Sometimes, I find that talking to the person you want to connect with helps. Whisper a prayer to your dad, that he brings you the ring back 🩵
Ooooooh Shell, one day I am going to write a book that lists all of the book titles I stole from you: surely, on that list will be A Catch In Your Soul. Wow! That expression caused a catch in my soul as I read it and remembered things I cherish from people who are not longer here. When I reflect on it, it is the memory of interactions that I cherish the most, as opposed to "things." That may be some solace for you and your lost ring. You, clearly, have the memory of your dad calling you and driving you to the jewelry store. And you quote his words just as he spoke them. Now, that is something to cherish.
You’re right—I do have a lot of the memoires with or without the tangible items. Thanks for the reminder. I always appreciate your reading my little vignettes. If I see this book in print, “A Catch in My Soul,” my heart will smile.
Oh Shell, I was really hoping this would end with you finding the ring. I'm so sorry it's lost! I can feel your pain. That ring represented the unique and profound bond you shared with your dad, and losing it is its own form of grief. Thank you for being so open and vulnerable in sharing this piece ❤️
Thank you for getting this—it feels good to know people understand this sense of loss. After sharing, I feel encouraged to keep looking. A little spark of hope that I will find it. 💍
Geez I’m sorry, Shell. Replacement isn’t for everyone and not for every thing. But, I can tell you that for me, and for my mom, it was enough. It is enough.
For me, the physical presence of something close or at least representative, is better than the total of absence of the original , if that makes sense. It can still hold the memories, keep them alive. Pass them on.
I feel your loss for that ring your dad gave you! It is irreplaceable, for sure, but by writing about it you honored its memory and your father's loving gesture.
Shell, I said a prayer right now that the ring will show up. Having tangible proofs of our treasured memories is one of God's gifts to us -- unless he has something better in store for you. This story is a gift to us. It moved me to think how ferociously I cling to things that have meaning -- even when everything on this earth will pass away. I think our instinct is not wrong, though. These letters, rings, and "piano babies" represent intolerable loss that will be made right. They are like tokens that we hold onto until we trade them in for the promise. Whether we're believers or not -- we have an instinct that the Resurrection is true. We're supposed to live forever, and these tokens are the reminders that keep us hoping. Thank you for this story.
You brought tears to my eyes with this comment. 🥹 Thank you so much. I do keep thinking I am going to find it. I can’t imagine where it could be but in my house somewhere.
Losing the ring must be heart wrenching. Perhaps in time you could get yourself a replacement (@Lori Olson White's post about the balloon lady springs to mind).
My husband and I moved to a much smaller place this time last year. The preceding year was occupied with downsizing and deciding what to throw away, give away, or keep. It was hard work.
Oh no! I'm sorry your ring is lost, but you do have the memories. However, you could look and see if you could replace it with something similar. It's not the same, but .... I have three of mom's rings - one I've worn on my right hand almost since she gave it to me in my sophomore year of college back in 1970. The other two I wear from time-to-time giving this one a break. Love that your Dad did that. That really shows who he was. So sweet. Thanks for sharing.
You have gently revealed the challenge of what to save from a passed loved one and what to part with. It is often a tug of war between our own guilt of separating from an item versus the fear of losing the memory associated with it. You genuinely touched upon a test of will that we all have to face.
"My grown children don’t seem interested. When it’s their turn to sort my house, I’m sure those will end up in the garbage." Please don't ever discard the notion of LEGACY. You may think your kids will toss your things, but perhaps their children may develop a keen interest of their heritage - mine certainly have! Especially the writing part of our legacy...
I will remember that. I certainly loved all of my grandmother's old photos, so she made sure to label them & save them to pass down to me. I cherish a photo of my great, great grandmother. You're right--maybe my grandchildren will latch on to some of my keepsakes.
Any luck finding the ring! 🤞
What a touching story about the connection you feel to your dad ♥️!
Awww, Shell, this remembrance is precious, as precious as the keepsake ring your dad gifted you 💓 I hope you find the ring, and bring back all those lovely memories of him and all he meant to you. Sometimes, I find that talking to the person you want to connect with helps. Whisper a prayer to your dad, that he brings you the ring back 🩵
That’s a good idea. You made me feel that “catch in my soul” by suggesting it.
Ooooooh Shell, one day I am going to write a book that lists all of the book titles I stole from you: surely, on that list will be A Catch In Your Soul. Wow! That expression caused a catch in my soul as I read it and remembered things I cherish from people who are not longer here. When I reflect on it, it is the memory of interactions that I cherish the most, as opposed to "things." That may be some solace for you and your lost ring. You, clearly, have the memory of your dad calling you and driving you to the jewelry store. And you quote his words just as he spoke them. Now, that is something to cherish.
You’re right—I do have a lot of the memoires with or without the tangible items. Thanks for the reminder. I always appreciate your reading my little vignettes. If I see this book in print, “A Catch in My Soul,” my heart will smile.
Oh Shell, I was really hoping this would end with you finding the ring. I'm so sorry it's lost! I can feel your pain. That ring represented the unique and profound bond you shared with your dad, and losing it is its own form of grief. Thank you for being so open and vulnerable in sharing this piece ❤️
Thank you for getting this—it feels good to know people understand this sense of loss. After sharing, I feel encouraged to keep looking. A little spark of hope that I will find it. 💍
Good luck!!
Awwww, Shell, this makes me sad as I think of some of the things I've misplaced from my mom and dad. I pray that you find your special ring. xo
Geez I’m sorry, Shell. Replacement isn’t for everyone and not for every thing. But, I can tell you that for me, and for my mom, it was enough. It is enough.
For me, the physical presence of something close or at least representative, is better than the total of absence of the original , if that makes sense. It can still hold the memories, keep them alive. Pass them on.
I’m here if you want to talk.
I’m very grateful for this unique community—for you.
My husband had something similar happen to him. It broke my heart to see how heartbroken he was that he no longer had an item his Mother gave to him.
I hope and pray that one day your ring reappears.
Thank you. It is strangely heartbreaking, but I keep dreaming I will find it.
I feel your loss for that ring your dad gave you! It is irreplaceable, for sure, but by writing about it you honored its memory and your father's loving gesture.
I understand. I live in a house full of stuff. Looking forward to more memories
Thank you for sharing your cherished memories of cherished items. Fondly,Dolores
Shell, I said a prayer right now that the ring will show up. Having tangible proofs of our treasured memories is one of God's gifts to us -- unless he has something better in store for you. This story is a gift to us. It moved me to think how ferociously I cling to things that have meaning -- even when everything on this earth will pass away. I think our instinct is not wrong, though. These letters, rings, and "piano babies" represent intolerable loss that will be made right. They are like tokens that we hold onto until we trade them in for the promise. Whether we're believers or not -- we have an instinct that the Resurrection is true. We're supposed to live forever, and these tokens are the reminders that keep us hoping. Thank you for this story.
You brought tears to my eyes with this comment. 🥹 Thank you so much. I do keep thinking I am going to find it. I can’t imagine where it could be but in my house somewhere.
Losing the ring must be heart wrenching. Perhaps in time you could get yourself a replacement (@Lori Olson White's post about the balloon lady springs to mind).
My husband and I moved to a much smaller place this time last year. The preceding year was occupied with downsizing and deciding what to throw away, give away, or keep. It was hard work.
I did think it was providential that I listened to Lori’s live conversation yesterday about the balloon lady.
Oh no! I'm sorry your ring is lost, but you do have the memories. However, you could look and see if you could replace it with something similar. It's not the same, but .... I have three of mom's rings - one I've worn on my right hand almost since she gave it to me in my sophomore year of college back in 1970. The other two I wear from time-to-time giving this one a break. Love that your Dad did that. That really shows who he was. So sweet. Thanks for sharing.
I may try to replace it; however, I keep thinking I will find it. Still looking. Thank you for your kind words.
You have gently revealed the challenge of what to save from a passed loved one and what to part with. It is often a tug of war between our own guilt of separating from an item versus the fear of losing the memory associated with it. You genuinely touched upon a test of will that we all have to face.
I like that "losing the memory associated with it."
"My grown children don’t seem interested. When it’s their turn to sort my house, I’m sure those will end up in the garbage." Please don't ever discard the notion of LEGACY. You may think your kids will toss your things, but perhaps their children may develop a keen interest of their heritage - mine certainly have! Especially the writing part of our legacy...
I will remember that. I certainly loved all of my grandmother's old photos, so she made sure to label them & save them to pass down to me. I cherish a photo of my great, great grandmother. You're right--maybe my grandchildren will latch on to some of my keepsakes.