SPT-Show & Tell

this week's challenge is to show & tell one of your most treasured items. the catch is (YES, there is a catch)... it must be smaller than a deck of cards!

I'm sure a lot of us will choose to show and tell our wedding rings. It truly is my most treasured possession. It represents our love for each other and our eternal marriage.

I remember when Greg and I were talking about spending the rest of our lives together, and the excitement I felt. We went and looked at rings and I recall my heart skipping a beat and having a bounce in my step as I tried on ring after ring. I didn't want to pick my own ring out, and Greg didn't want me too either. He was mainly trying to get an idea about the style and size ring I liked. When he proposed to me, on the Riverwalk in San Antonio(ironic this is where we now call home) he didn't have my ring. I had no idea, but he decided to design a ring for me instead of just buying one at the local jewelry store, and it was taking a bit longer to finish than he expected. He hated proposing without a ring to give me, but he couldn't wait to ask me to be his wife.

On the night he gave me my ring we had gone to dinner at Outback. I knew he was up to "no good" when he wasn't himself. You can always tell when Greg is nervous, stressed or upset. He doesn't talk and if you know Greg, this is definitely a sign something's up. He pretended to leave his wallet in the car and exused himself to retrieve it. When he returned, he sat down but couldn't keep his I off the cute girl at the hostess stand. Finally, after what seemed like forever the hostess brought over a gold gift bag with a an elegant ribbon attached. I knew then what was inside. Me being the very shy girl I am, immediately thought about all of the people that must have been staring at me. I opened the bag, and then the small box inside. I then opened the clear, jewel shaped ring box to find the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. My heart began to pound harder and was sure you could see it through my shirt. I quickly closed the ring box not sure what to do. I remember having the biggest smile on my face, and being embarrassed. Not emarrassed because of my ring but because all the attention that seemed to be directed towards me. Greg was worried I didn't like it and asked if he could put it on me. I shyly agreed and he placed it on my hand where it has remained (I have taken it off very few times) since that day. He reminded me of all of the rings, their shapes, and sizes that I had tried on. He said as you can see your ring looks nothing like any of those. He let me in on his secret. He had a ring that was left to him by a great uncle. It was a man's ring that had seven diamonds in it. He thought he would never wear this ring so took it to a jewelry store to see about trading(the dealer in him) it in towards my engagement ring. The girl that examined the ring was nice enough to tell him for him to get the quality and clarity of diamonds that were present in the man's ring would be very difficult. She suggested taking it to another jeweler and have him make my ring using the diamonds. He took her advice and did just that. Not only did have a very unique ring, that you couldn't find in stores, but it was a special heirloom so to speak.

I love my ring and cherish it, as well as the man that gave it to me. Greg always says he wants to get me a bigger ring someday. I tell him over and over that I don't need a bigger diamond. It wouldn't be the same if he gave me another ring. I love it and will cherish it forever. I think about the road I would have traveled and where I would be today if I never received my ring nearly 12 years ago. I am so blessed. I have a wonderful husband who sacrifices so much and works extremely hard for our family. My three girls are the love of my life and bring more joy to me than I could have ever imagined. I love everything that has happened to me since receiving my treasure. This priceless treasure will forever hold a special place in my heart.