Two Rings

“What are those two rings you wear on that necklace?” a friend asked me recently. “Are they like purity rings saying you won’t have sex until you are married?” I smiled realizing that my friend had tried to be put in an awkward situation when in reality I was about to turn the tables on him.

“Actually they were my granny’s rings,” I said quietly. “She passed away this summer.” The awkward embarrassment was obvious on my friend’s face, but he recovered quickly and replied, “Awe, how sweet!” It was sweet. The rings were nothing special. They looked like an engagement ring and wedding band, but in reality, they were simple silver costume jewelry that my granny was known for loving. I remember when my granny got sick. It was the first time she looked “old” to me. I remember asking my mom what would happen when Granny died. Where would my uncle live and what would happen to all her stuff. My granny told me that she wanted my sister and me to have her jewelry. That day I picked out my rings. My granny encouraged me to take some real pieces that would last forever and be worth something, but I really wanted my two rings to wear on my necklace. I did not take the rings that day. I left them in the jewelry box until my granny was gone. I loved my granny for twenty years before she died of cancer, but every day when I wake up, I put on my necklace with two silver rings hanging from it, and I remember everything. I remember every hug, every kiss, every hand-written card, every Sunday morning breakfast, every summer at her pool, every coloring book and crayons, every Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, birthday, Valentine’s Day, and just because they were on sale bag of M&Ms, every loaf of “Granny Bread,” and every card game. My granny was my grandmother, but she was also my biggest fan and my friend. She never missed a birthday party, holiday, or a Grandparent’s Day at school. She missed me when I was away, but I always called on Sunday afternoons to hear my mom, aunt, and her playing cards even though I was not there to play partners.

It is hard to say good-bye to someone you love. Thankfully, I never had to say good-bye to my granny. I know my granny is in heaven, watching over me and playing cards with her sisters and my pawpaw. The last time I talked to my granny, I knew I would never have to say good-bye, because I will see my granny again. I simply told her, “I love you,” because that will last until I am in heaven with her.