the rock candy ring

Happy St. Valentine's day!

A few years ago Ezra gave me this ring for Valentine's day, and I promised him that I would wear it each year. It is heavy, gaudy, cheap, and leaves a hideous mark on my finger that lasts for days after Valentine's day. It is also my most cherished piece of jewelry aside from my wedding band.

I wear it proudly every year, remembering his excitement when he presented me with his sweet gift. I wear it proudly every year, because I am honored to be Ezra's mommy. I wear it proudly every year, because my son gave it to me and so it is priceless.

When Ezra was born I was overwhelmed with love for him. I couldn't tell him enough, I couldn't show him completely. I whispered it to him as he slept, and showed him with sign language when silence was required. Last year Ezra came to work with me and made a copy of his fingers making the I love you sign and asked me to hang it my office so everyone could see how much he loves me.

I confess I am not much of a Valentine's day girl. I am not comfortable with contrived acts of love or any other emotion for that matter. It is not necessary for my husband to justify his love for me to my office mates with the obligatory bouquet of flowers, and I am far too practical to waste money on jewelry at inflated prices.

I much prefer the simple acts of thoughtfulness and love that are filled with deep meaning, making them priceless.