Tags
children, Dad, death, Diana Schwenk, family, foundation, gift, good character, grief, growing up, History, Hump Day Chronicles, lessons, life, Life's like that, love, memories, Mom, parenting, safe, Stuff my parents used to say and do, values
When you want to build something, you start with a good foundation. When you want to understand something, you start with the fundamental pillars of the subject. In other words, you learn the history, the mechanics of it, the whys and whats and wheres.
In the same way, when you feel lost, it helps to go back to where you began so you can remember where you came from, what you have learned about this business of living, what you truly long for in life, and how you can get it and how you can share your gifts with the world. Sometimes you grab onto a symbol of the past and carry it with you like a talisman that you can look at, or touch when you need to be grounded.
Since Dad passed away, I’ve been in kind of a fog. I got the basics covered, you know… I wake up, brush my teeth, shower, dress, exercise, go to work, eat, go to bed and start it all over again the next day.
But I’ve lost a bit of my oomph.
A bit of my zest for life.
Dad was always my rock.
He had this way of making me feel secure and letting me know that he was there for me, no matter what.
My Plan B, if Plan A should fail.
Although I rarely resorted to Plan B, I knew I could if I had to, I knew it was there if I needed it.
This past New Year’s Eve, as I was deciding which piece of jewelry to wear for an event I was attending, I came across the ring with the blue stone. The ring that cost forty dollars in 1960 and took Dad several weeks of saving so he could buy it for Mom to celebrate their first anniversary.
Dad was so upset when Mom gave me that ring almost thirty years later. But I’m so glad she did, so I could find it on the last day of 2016 and slip it on my finger. And with the wearing of it, remember the values he taught me and the traits he exemplified; like a good work ethic, empathy, diplomacy, loyalty and strength of character.
What a gift!
What a great foundation from which to find my way again!
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
elizabeth2560 said:
What a precious gift for you.
Diana, you look SO much like your mother …
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Ann Koplow said:
What a gift you give us, Diana, with this beautiful post. ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Aww thank you Ann. ❤
Diana xo
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utesmile said:
I am sure your dad would be happy now to see you wearing it. He knows how precious it is. Lovely photo!
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes, I think so too Ute! ❤
Diana xo
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sedge808 said:
a stunning photograph
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you. ❤
Diana xo
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Jean said:
It’s a great token of remembrance every day…a blue ring. My niece for her wedding, used her mother’s who passed away several years before. She made the right choice for herself.
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Jean said:
By the way, where is that fabulous mural of ballet dancer and goldfish in your blog header?
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Healing Grief said:
Touching post Diana. You look so much like your Mum. I think after a death there is always a part of us that goes missing too, but like finding a piece of jewellery or a memory of our loved ones, we too, can find that piece of us again and over time, begin to heal. 💕💕
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes Karen. Thanks for your encouraging words. ❤
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
Since my nan has passed away my mum has often not been with it as anyone who reads my blog would know it is a worry, getting over the grief is hard
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dianasschwenk said:
Yeah, and it takes a while Jo-Anne. ❤
Diana xo
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russtowne said:
Your post brightened my morning, Diana. Thank you.
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dianasschwenk said:
Glad to hear to hear it Russ. Thank you. ❤
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
What a touching post Diana. Keep him close along with the memories and this gift. And remember your own roots come from him. He gave you his strength. It is within you too.
May this ring help you get in touch with your own foundation. 💕
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dianasschwenk said:
Beautifully said. Thanks Val. ❤
Diana xo
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vanbytheriver said:
Wear it proudly, Diana. You will find your way back. I’m certain of that.
And by the way, for many years now, I have been wearing 2 extra wedding bands on my right hand. One belonged to my father, from 1948, and the other to my grandmother, from 1923. They are with me, always. So is your dad. Hugs to you.
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dianasschwenk said:
That’s awesome Van! Wow! ❤
Diana xo
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cyclingrandma said:
So nice you have a physical reminder of the many memories of your father. An heirloom can be very special. Enjoy wearing the ring!
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dianasschwenk said:
I am enjoying the wearing of it Lisa and it is so special to me. Thank you! ❤
Diana xo
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Jennifer Kelland Perry said:
Beautiful, Diana. I can understand why that ring means so much to you. I hope you find your way out of the fog and get back your oomph very soon! ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Jennifer, the fog does seem to be lifting. ❤
Diana xo
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Jennifer Kelland Perry said:
I’m glad. ❤
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Louise Gallagher said:
What a beautiful post, beautiful gift and memory Diana. I’m so glad you found that ring and that your mother gave it to you to find that day! ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Me too! Thank you so much Louise! ❤
Diana xo
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