It was a ring given in love. It was a ring accepted in love. And it was a ring that brought me the greatest loves of my life.
It seemed fitting, somehow, that I retire it on May 10 - our anniversary. There's something very symmetrical about it. I'm putting it away for Joseph to someday give someone very special.
The day before, I couldn't stop staring at the way the sunlight caught the diamonds. I couldn't stop remembering the way the candlelight shimmered across the stones as I stared into Chad's eyes on the night he proposed. All day, I told myself, "Tomorrow, I'm taking off my ring." It felt like I was saying, "Tomorrow, I'm cutting off my finger."
And then, tomorrow came. And the ring did not come off easily.
I looked at my hand and realized...it looked bare. Naked.
So I did what any other woman would do in this situation.
I bought a new ring. Something that catches in the sunlight. Something that gives me the promise of a bright future. Something that helps me be a little bit stronger. Something that is on The List.
Isn't it pretty?
39 comments:
It's gorgeous Mandy. It's really gorgeous.
It is beautiful ... as are you. You are strong and fabulous. Big hugs to you, my friend!
Gorgeous ring! And even more gorgeous children! Great idea, I'm sure I would do the same thing in your situation. Keep on keepin' on!
wow, Mandy, that is one gorgeous ring. I love it, I adore it what it "says" about your next chapter. It's simply beautiful.
xo
Good for you! It's a beautiful ring. I'm glad you're keeping your ring for Joseph. My grandmother had her rings melted down and had two new rings made to be passed on someday. She gave them to my mother and now I have one too. Relationships change, but family is forever.
Mandy, you've made a gorgeous choice. I look forward to seeing what that ring represents. Once again, you've been brave in sharing your story and I am honored to be able to witness it.
Girl, that engagement ring is certainly lovely, and representative of so much.
But the new one?
Whew! Love it. Love. It is indeed full of promise and sparkle, as are you, my friend.
Love your new ring. And I admire your bravery in taking off your wedding ring.
Come to find out, it's not as bad as chopping of my finger would be. Almost, but not quite.
Thanks, lady. I love it too. And maybe one day, my ring finger will tan a bit. :)
Thank you, sweetie.
Now THAT is going on a pillow as soon as I learn to embroider.
Thanks, friend.
One step at a time...
Thank you.
I was so happy to find it. Funny story, the lady who sold it to me, sold the exact same ring to another woman going through a divorce. She teased that maybe they should start advertising it as a divorce ring.
It's beautiful. As are you! <3
It's gorgeous. I love those kind of rings. I remember when my mother got divorced, she felt naked without a ring after 14 years of wearing one. She bought a simple ring with three interlocking circles, one of gold, one of white gold and one of rose gold (symbolizing her 3 kids). I still have that ring and now I wear it for my 3 kids.
It's beautiful. I love it.
Beautiful! Good for you!
And for the record, I took my ring off when I was pregnant with Sean and all my appendages swelled up to epic proportions. I haven't gone back down to my pre-pregnancy weight, so the ring still doesn't fit. I have been walking around with two little boys and I have no ring.
I wonder what the neighbors think...
Wow. Yes m'am it is. Here's to strength. XO
Oh that made me sad. :-(
I love your new ring. It's beautiful. It looks like a 'strong' ring - does that make sense?
Gorgeous ring. I love it.
I agree with Mama Wants This, your new ring does look strong. Here's to strength!
Awww...thanks, Dolly.
I love that. Not just because of what it symbolized, but because you now wear it.
LOL...they are probably thinking you're living in sin.
Cheers!
Don't be sad. I'm trying to look at it as a new beginning rather than an ending.
Totally. It's feminine without being delicate. It really does represent strength.
Thank you!
Cheers to that!
Your New Ring is absolutely beautiful! It's strong, sophisticated and simply fabulous.
That ring is gorgeous. Just like you, my friend. Just like you. xo
Do you know what a strong woman you are? This post was tough for me to read because I know you are hurting but at the same time I can hear the strength and the glimmers of hope in your voice and I LOVE that you went out and bought yourself something beautiful. You deserve it and so much more.
Good call on the new ring, you are so very brave.
YES! I love the way you're ringing in (ha! see what I did there?) this new era of your life. It's a beautiful ring!
WOW! can't believe I missed this post! and we were still working! tells you where my head was!
You are indeed starting a "NEW CHAPTER"... and you are a fabulous mommy! a beautiful lady! and stronger than espresso (three squirts, as John would request at his fave coffee shop)...
Power on! my friend...
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