~ Promise Ring ~

People who know me really well know that I remember lots of dates.  Dates just stick in my head.  I also like numbers so it makes sense that I remember dates.  Strange fact though, I hate math.  I never excelled at it and I struggled in my algebra classes, though I loved geometry.  I never took the later math classes like trig.  At this point in my life, I am so glad that I didn't because as a Wife, Mother and Customer Service Specialist I don't think those classes would have made a difference.  (to my kids, I am NOT saying that you can skip out on those).  However, the classes that I did take: home ec and a few business classes were enough to get me to where I am today.  I never went to college... do I regret that?  Not really because the choices I made then are what makes me who I am today.  Back to topic, I can tell you that Anthony and I became a couple on 8/12/91, were engaged on 6/26/92 and were united in marriage on 9/4/93.  So I am totally unsure how I forget the day that Anthony gave me my promise ring.  I am not even sure of the circumstances; where we were, what was said, nothing.  I just know that it was a pre-engagement promise that we would be there for each other through every step in our lives.  I know that it was October and the date was the 20s, but it could be anywhere from the 20th to the 29th.  I can't even look at a 1991 calendar and know because I don't remember what day of the week it was.  At one time, I ran across the receipt and knew and then forgot.  However, what I have not forgotten was the meaning behind the ring.  We were two 20 year olds, totally in love with each other.  He was a student at SIU and I was a full time accounting clerk.  We didn't jump straight to our engagement because we both were mature enough to know that we were not going to get married until his schooling was completed and we would financially be able to support ourselves.  I wear this ring every day of my life, I cherish it and the love that it represents.  While a material thing, and it didn't cost very much (remember I found the receipt once), it means a lot to me.  One day it will belong to one of my children and I hope that it gets passed down from one generation to another reminding our grandchildren and great-grandchildren that love conquers all.