Allan gave me the thin gold chain for my birthday, the second one I celebrated as his wife. I wore it constantly, and over the years that gold chain became rich with memories.
It was around my neck when my children were born…and when both of my parents were buried. It was around my neck as I walked my son to his classroom on his first day of kindergarten…and the day I waved good-bye as he left for college. It was around my neck for the countless rounds of softball try-outs, practices, games, and tournaments with my daughter…and when she boarded a plane that would take her to Costa Rica for two years. It was around my neck when we brought our yellow lab with the too-long ears home for the first time…and when our vet helped us decide that it was time to let her go.
I remember having the catch repaired a few times, but one time several years ago that thin gold chain broke in the middle. My first thought was how lucky I was that it wasn’t lost! I had it repaired immediately, as if all the attached memories would tumble off if it were left broken. I knew that by wearing it all the time I had contributed to its fragility, so I decided not to risk having it break again and losing it forever. Now it lives in a small pink satin case in my jewelry drawer, holding all the memories.