Sweet granny-in-law's ring & note

[Kelinas]

So DH & I went to south Florida to see my Mother in law. Her mother is staying with her during a transition period changing nursing facilities. Gran has Alzheimer's disease and its really progressed, it's been 15 years since she's received her diagnosis.
She has these moments though, where she's really...normal and lucid.
Well, I was helping my MIL pack some bags, and we came across some jewelry boxes
Upon opening them, we found some interesting notes with some jewelry. Thought I'd share.

First note says: this is my 14k wedding band from 1947. This is for Sherry as I gave it and took it back

Lol. The second photo is the ring. It's a heart shape diamond on a yellow gold ring with milgrain detail.

 

[Kelinas]

Then the second note that was written a month after her diagnosis

"April 22, 1997
Just cleaned this ring and it was my mothers ring. I also had it filed(?) so I could wear it, I have large fingers. The ring is 18k gold, it has a large diamond in the center and a diamond chips on each side of the diamond. I would like you to keep and get the ring sized for yourself; if not give it to one of your sons that can't afford a ring for his intended bride. Love you, mom"

My MIL had quite a laugh and cry finding this. We both giggled because the "large" diamond is mayyyybe .15 cts
But it looks so sweet. I would have totally taken it but I felt my MIL needed it.. You know?

 

[Kelinas]

Picture next to my .18 ct.
I added a filter for this picture because it shows the detail in grand ring better.

 

[junebug17]

Aw, so sweet! And a little sad, too. So bittersweet when parents grow old.

 

[Kelinas]

Aw, so sweet! And a little sad, too. So bittersweet when parents grow old.

It totally is. I don't know much about her, but it is really sad. The old nursing home was really rude and called her a "old mean hag"
The woman can't talk and keeps to herself, it pisses me off to think about it. Luckily the new facility is reaaallly nice and caring.

Funny, gran is 81. My father is 79 (I wasn't realllly suppose to happen ) and my Korean grandmother is 83.
Unfortunately, all 3 are sick, I'm debating on whether to fly over there. My father is having a cancerous lesion removed next week, so the outcome of that surgery will decide whether I make the 17hr flight home

 

[VRBeauty]

A very sweet story. Your Grandmother-in-law had a lot of foresight to write those notes!

Best wishes for your father!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

You have a lot on your plate--nice to find those special things that speak to your heart.

cheers--Sharon

 

[marcy]

Re: Sweet granny-in-law's ring & note

It is sad to see our loved ones go through such things. What a treasure though to find notes with her jewelry explaining what they are and who they go to. Take care.

 

[Jax172]

I love this story. Such nice things to have.

 

[Enerchi]

Aw...that is so bittersweet. How special that she did writ those notes. I love THE BIG RING!!

Is emotional going thru that kelinas. Good luck

 

[JewelFreak]

That's a tear-jerker. Messages from the heart and visits from the past, in a way. I absolutely love that it's a "big" diamond, says a lot about pride in a good way.

When my darling grandmother had to go to a care home, in her closet was a large tapestry-covered purse, probably from the 40s or 50s, with a note inside in her handwriting: "This purse is for Laurie, please." Done in a lucid phase when she knew she was going cuckoo. I'll never use it but I'll never let it go, nor especially her note. A purse was what she had to leave me, but oh my goodness she gave me intangibles of so much more value.

Hope your MIL hangs onto those notes; they're wonderful. I'm glad you told this story here!

--- Laurie

 

[Rosebloom]

Re: Sweet granny-in-law's ring & note

What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!

 

[Kelinas]

I'm glad to have shared. It really was a "awe" moment. My MIL was talking about getting it sized and sending it to me; she found more jewelry - and the ones she found are the ones that she remembers her mother wearing. Still, I wear a 4.75-5, the ring is a size 10.5 and its too much to size IMO. Ultimately, I think the thought is sweet.

 

[fabulousfindk]

So sweet! I love heirlooms and my Gaggie was very big on writing little notes and putting them with items. She was never sick but after she turned 85, she would ask everyone who came to her house what things they wanted. You'd pick up a plate to find a little sticker underneath with someone's name on it. When she passed, it was like a special treasure hunt to go through her jewelry (and other belongings) and see what things she intended for whom. We found a box with a pearl necklace and bracelet set with a note that said "Kate [that's me] - Wedding" She had significant memory loss and early Alzheimer's too, so knowing that she took the time to mark down all these items that were meaningful to her.

 

[manderz]

Aww, this is very sweet!

When my grandmother moved into assisted living, my mom and I cleaned out her apartment. Her move was very sudden, and she was not there to help or direct, as she was not able to for a while. In one of her dresser drawers, we found a black velvet pouch that said "Amanda- 16th Birthday". Now, keep in mind, this was 10 years later. Inside, we found a really pretty, large oval amethyst pendant on a figaro chain, with a matching bracelet. She (slightly embarrassed), told my mom to give it to me. I'm so glad to have it, and gad I didn't get it until the time I did (not a style I would have liked AT ALL when I was that age). Now that she's passed, I'm so grateful to have such a sweet reminder from her.