Every so often I come across a worn, yellowed sheet of paper.
It just seems to magically turn up as I am sorting and filing paperwork.
It's a receipt.
From a small town jewelry store.
For the engagement and wedding ring set that Joe purchased the day he asked me to marry him.
On April 15, 2003.
Eight years ago this year.
That ring set cost all of 735 dollars.
Do you know what that price tag means to me?
It is a symbol of the humble and simple man my husband is. He doesn't need money or possessions or "bling" to illustrate how capable or manly or important he is. He didn't feel the need to go into thousands of dollars of debt just to prove something to me or the world. With that small ring he gave me his heart, his love, his loyalty, and his life.
I cannot claim to be so consistently pure of heart as he is.
Sometimes, I look at this ring I wear on my left hand and get a little wistful, maybe even slightly jealous when I see my sisters and friends with their big fat bands and diamonds.
Sometimes I want something fat and ferocious on my finger too.
Maybe someday I will.
But can I tell you something?
I think there is a reason that yellowed piece of paper keeps "magically" reappearing in my pile of paperwork.
I need a reminder.
Of the good heart my husband has.
Of how simple and precious life and love and marriage can be.
Of what is truly important.
Funny how one little $735 gold wedding band set can be worth more than a whole pile of diamonds.
-----
Evelyn never takes her wedding ring off, even when she is chasing after four littles, cleaning an eternally messy house, or arm wrestling with Joe. You can read more of her humor, heart, and haphazard at Hanging by a Silver Lining.
