Saturday, December 24, 2011

Best Christmas Gift EVER!

My dad was a Marine and he volunteered for the Vietnam War. He was sprayed with Agent Orange and got Leukimia. He came home with it and met me for the first time when I was 6 months old. My Mom was so brave and took such good care of me and then later took such loving good care of Dad. I had 8 years with him before he died. I was lucky....would give anything to have had him longer but the time I had was precious and memorable and a miracle. I was very lucky to have him as my Daddy!

In addition to being a Marine, he was also an accountant and a jeweler / gemologist. He knew how to make jewelry and cut diamonds and any other jewel. I will never forget one night when I was little, Mom and Dad had me come in their room and sit on the bed. Dad had his hand behind his back and he brought it out with the most GINORMOUS bandage on his thumb. He had cut the end of this thumb off while cutting a diamond. They were able to fix it but that has always stuck with me.

In addition to being able to make jewelry, he also had a beautiful eye for other pieces. He bought my Mom a 2 carat tourmaline. So for Christmas, Mom pulled that ring out along with another sapphire ring she had and combined them for my Christmas present. She wanted me to have a piece of both of them. She found a jeweler that made an original piece and can I say how much I cried and how bad my hands were shaking when I opened this gift up.....it means soooo much to have them both on my hand representing the family we had and the relationship I have with my Mom today! I love them both so much and I know that Daddy is smiling with what Mom was able to create.....Love you Mom and Dad!

The center tourmaline and setting is the original that Dad gave Mom and the sapphires were added from her ring. They did an amazing job....WOW!

2 comments:

  1. What a beautiful ring with an even more beautiful meaning behind it. love you and merry Christmas!

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  2. Laura!! My heart is about to burst for you, this is the most special present ever!! How absolutely incredible!! It will be so nice to be able to keep them close to you, wherever you go! I can't wait to see it in person :) Merry, Merry Christmas!

    P.S. Your mom was VERY brave to care for you by herself those first 6 months with Daddy away at war! I'm sure I could take a lesson or two from her! ;-) xo

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