Stories

Many years ago after dad died, mom asked me if I would like to have a ring that he wore when he went to war in Indonesia. He had it made and wore it while he was away sort of like a promise ring, that they would be married when he returned. It was a simple silver signet ring with "Petra" written on it. I loved it and it fit my middle finger so I wore it all the time. She thought because my name was the same as hers that I might like it.

Shortly after mom died, I realized one day that it was missing. I had been out to the old homestead in West Luther and had been to several stores in Kitchener. I retraced my steps as much as possible, looking for it. I left my contact information at each place in case someone turned it in. I didn't go back to the farm because I knew that if I lost it there, I would never find it. After several weeks and no phone call, I accepted that I would never get it back and tried to take some consolation from the fact that it might have returned to where dad started out.

Several months later, I got a package in the mail from Kelly, who was living in Whitehorse at the time. Inside was dad's ring! I was flabbergasted! I just couldn't figure out how it got there. She filled me in when I called her. She and Danny had been home for a visit about 2 weeks before and Danny had forgotten his jacket here. I often mailed boxes to them, as it was inexpensive and a nice way to share some things not available in the Yukon. I added his jacket to a parcel I sent. Because of the weather at the time, he didn't wear it again for several months, but when he did, he found dad's ring in the pocket.

I ended up giving the ring to Tim before he got married when he needed something to connect him to his roots. I felt so grateful that it found it's way to where it was needed.

One of the things I've been doing lately is carrying a smooth stone to rub when I get anxious or agitated, kind of like a worry bead. It made me remember a heart shaped rose quartz pendant I used to have. I got rid of it years ago when I was decluttering and trying to minimize "things". I thought about how much easier it would be to still have it because it was on a string to wear around your neck, it was super smooth and easier than carrying when I don't have pockets.

Danny saw my stone last week and asked me about it. When I told him that I was using it as a worry stone, I told him about the one I used to have. Kelly turned around and said, "this one?", as she picked it up and gave it to me! I've been wearing it ever since.

I honestly don't know how or why these things happen, but I trust that the things and people that we need will be there when we need them.

More tomorrow on my progress or lack thereof!

Much love, elly