April 23, 2009
better than a pony (I know, hard to believe!)
Early this morning, the FedEx man rang my doorbell. I was waiting for him, of course, because he was bringing me a pony! Or something.
Call me crazy, but I’m pretty sure this box does not have a pony inside it.
Hmm that’s an awfully small box for a pony. FedEx agrees — see where it says “Small Box”? Although I guess it could be the kind of pony that you add water to and it grows, like sea monkeys.
So what is inside the small box? An envelope! You would think the pony would have gnawed his way through that, but I guess not.
Inside the envelope are … more envelopes! (I am beginning to think there is no pony in here. Hmm.)
Card. Yes I really did open the card first. Why, don’t you?
Okay now we’re getting somewhere.
So what was in the box? Well, not a pony, I’ll tell you that!
This is my grandmother’s wedding ring; it’s been in the top drawer of my mom’s dresser since I was a little girl, and I have been badgering her about it for the last 20 years. I wore it for our wedding, and my mother threatened to search my luggage before we left for the honeymoon. But I gave it back. Sadly.
It was missing one tiny diamond, and when I saw my mom in Pittsburgh, she said, “The next time we come to visit, I’ll bring you that ring, but you’ll have to have the baguette replaced.” I promised to do it, but instead, she and my dad took it to a jeweler and had the stone replaced and the ring cleaned, and they sent it to my for my birthday, with a note that said, “Grandma Ginny would be very pleased that you wanted this ring. Enjoy!!!”
I have been staring at my hand all day; it makes me so happy to see the ring there. If anything could be better than a pony, it’s this.
Thanks, Mom and Daddy. I love you. Although I really need a manicure now …
Posted by Susan @ 1:40 pm • good people
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April 23rd, 2009 at 1:50 pm, aimee Says:
Awww…that’s awesome! My favorite thing to give a newly engaged friend is a gift certificate for a manicure–this is why!
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:52 pm, Annika Says:
That is such a wonderful birthday gift that I am crying a little.
I bet they get you a pony next year.
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:53 pm, Rhi Says:
Awww! Totally better than a pony!
(but, I hope you get your pony next year)
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:55 pm, Mandee Says:
No wonder they were so excited! What a great gift.
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm, Ceece Says:
duuuuuuude! that story totally made me tear up. it’s such a beautiful and classic ring! what a perfect fit.
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:03 pm, Janssen Says:
What a GREAT gift. And wow, that is just a beautiful ring.
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:07 pm, Alison Says:
How lovely!
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:08 pm, Nothing But Bonfires Says:
Awwwwwww, this makes me so happy! WAY better than a pony, if you ask me. Will you have to clean up your ring’s crap? YOU WILL NOT.
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:10 pm, Rebecca (Bearca) Says:
I’d pick this over a pony, any day! It’s beautiful.
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:12 pm, jcristg Says:
Happy birthday! What a great surprise.
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:12 pm, Marie Says:
That was ssssoooo sweet !!
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:14 pm, kristinblakely Says:
SO BEAUTIFUL! and so sweet!
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:14 pm, Leigh Says:
I turned 40 on April 3rd and guess what my mom gave me? Yep, my grandmother’s engagement ring. I cried! I’m wearing it right now and I love it! It looks quite a bit like you grandmother’s ring. May I ask how old your grandmother would be if she were still living? Mine was born in 1922.
p.s. I’ve never wanted a pny, but I’ve always wanted this ring. So glad we both got what we wanted this year! Happy Birthday,Susan!
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:24 pm, daysgoby Says:
Wow, how lovely!
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:33 pm, tutugirl1345 Says:
My mom gave me her Great Aunt’s ring when I turned 18, and its STILL my favorite piece of jewelry. Yours looks so pretty!! (And the pony would have been a totally pain in the ass)
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:34 pm, Kristabella Says:
Awww, how sweet! It’s beautiful.
If I’ve learned anything from watching Rob & Big on MTV it is that ponies and horses are mean and a pain in the ass to care for.
So you totally got a better deal. Happy birthday!
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm, Julienne Says:
That is so amazing! My Dad & Stepmom Karen brought me my Grandma Ginny’s (yep!) ring when I graduated college. On May 3, 2008 my lovely husband placed that ring on my finger and it means the world to me. My Grandma Ginny and Grandpa Mert (he died when I was 1 years old) were so deeply in love that the day he died, my Grandma moved out of their bedroom into the loft and left everything alone for years. His Sears card still sits on the dresser. If we can be capable of half of that love, I’ll be a happy old married woman passing on that ring to my daughter or granddaughter someday!
Thank you for sharing - your ring is truly beautiful!!
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm, Stephanie Says:
The story is just as beautiful as the ring!
Happy birthday! Enjoy!!
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:56 pm, becky Says:
Oh, that’s so awesome! Much lower maintenance than a pony, anyway.
April 23rd, 2009 at 3:07 pm, Rebecca Says:
What a beautiful ring! And an it means so much that it was your Grandmothers! Perfect!
April 23rd, 2009 at 3:07 pm, heels Says:
What a gorgeous ring!
April 23rd, 2009 at 3:20 pm, Stephanie Says:
Fantastic story, absolutely splendid! And of course, that’s a beautiful ring!!
Also, my mom’s name was Ginny, she was a fabulous women with exquisite taste and a fabulous sense of humor.
This story made me happy.
April 23rd, 2009 at 4:31 pm, MamaChristy Says:
That is TOTALLY better than a pony if for no other reason than it won’t make a mess of your yard.
April 23rd, 2009 at 4:37 pm, Sue @ My Party of 6 Says:
ZOMG!!! SO much better than a pony! And really, a good thing you had to sign for it. That would have never lasted on your porch!
The first two pictures had me rolling, but the end has me all teary.
Happy birthday!! (and GREAT card, btw!)
April 23rd, 2009 at 4:37 pm, MamaChristy Says:
Of course, what I meant to add is that it is lovely and the whole yard mess is the LEAST of the reasons that the ring is better than a pony. My children are distracting, sorry.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:10 pm, Jody Says:
These posts were so sweet.
I feel the same way about my moms wedding rings….they are just so special to me. I have so many memories of wearing them while she washed the dishes or made pasta. I was so tiny, they were huge on my thumbs.
Happy birthday!!
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:21 pm, Mrs. Schmitty Says:
What a beautiful ring…and an even more beautiful gift!
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:23 pm, JoAnn in NJ Says:
Happy Birthday Susan!
The ring is lovely and I’m sure it looks beautiful on you! What a great story!
Much better than a pony. I’d say a new outfit to show off the ring (including shoes) is in order!
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:18 pm, Erin Says:
I wore my grandmother’s engagement ring at my wedding… was “left” to me when she died but mother kept it. I was supposed to give it to her after the wedding… I kept it and wear it almost daily now over13 years later!
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:22 pm, carissa Says:
On what finger are you wearing that beautiful ring?
So much better than a pony, it will last forever and fits on your finger so you can gaze upon its beauty every day.
Good for you.
April 24th, 2009 at 12:56 am, Torry Says:
Wow! What a wonderful gift! This gift will make you feel special everytime you look at it! (And you will look at it!)
April 24th, 2009 at 3:17 am, J from Ireland Says:
Ah, that is just lovely. Made me tear up. Must go now and hassle my mother for my Grannys’ ring!!
April 24th, 2009 at 3:25 am, The Coffee Lady Says:
how beautiful! I wear my grandmother’s engagement ring every day for years, and I’ve stopped admiring it constantly. I’m having a good old stare at my hand now after reading your post.
April 24th, 2009 at 6:48 am, Ashlie- Mommycosm Says:
Awww…so sweet.
Diamonds are the new pony, didn’t you hear?
April 24th, 2009 at 8:49 am, i.e. Says:
Love.it.
Happy Birthday.
April 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am, Fabs Says:
Simply beautiful.
April 24th, 2009 at 11:30 am, Kris Says:
Gorgeous! Much better than a pony. It looks a lot like my engagement ring which was my husband’s great grandmother’s wedding ring.
April 24th, 2009 at 11:47 am, Lar Says:
How beautiful–both the sentiment and the ring. What a wonderful treasure you have now!
April 26th, 2009 at 2:03 am, laura Says:
oh my how gorgeous! what a precious treasure you have….i imagine the sentiments attached to it are far more valuable than the diamonds
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:12 am, nadine Says:
I want your parents! What a wonderful surprise!
May 4th, 2009 at 7:02 pm, Reluctant Housewife Says:
Oh wow. It’s beautiful.
And it doesn’t poop. Ponies poop.
The ring is better than a pony!
May 5th, 2009 at 12:03 am, schmutzie Says:
That is a fantastically gorgeous ring, and it’s good hands.