Gold Chain




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" November 6, 2003 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com ----------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart." You are receiving this newsletter because you requested a subscription or a friend generously forwarded their copy to you. To subscribe send a blank e-mail to subscribe@write2theheart.com. ------------------------------------------------------------ The gold chain was associated with memories of special people in Diane’s life. Imagine her surprise and delight to receive it as a special gift. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Gold Chain By Diane Dean White ------------------------------------------------------------ I was amazed as a child at all the exciting things that "Grandma's" house had around to investigate and play with. The upstairs bedrooms had walk-in closets with an assortment of "play clothes" for me to wear. There was an old dresser with an oval mirror attached, and drawers on each side. The matching velvet seat was a favorite place for me to sit and use the hand mirror and brush, pretending I was one of the many glamour movie stars whom I copied. At 7 and 8 one can pick up a lot when watching others! When I think back to that big old house and the years I'd look forward to visiting, I'm reminded that it was the little things that always held so much joy. There were special times during my summer vacation when I could sleep in, and awaken to hear a dove cooing in the morning. The cozy comfortable bed made it hard to get up, but a faint kitchen odor that drifted upstairs reminded me that Grandma was baking or making something that smelled awfully good! During the summers some of the kids I met would talk about how they wished they lived in a city, but it was the other way around for me. I loved the small town and fun things in the country. I'd walk uptown to get the mail and stop in for a fresh loaf of bread at the bakery, and linger at a little shop that sold everything from penny candy to shirts, ties and shoes. My Grandparents had a little white Spitz dog named Trixi. With the open fields behind their home, I made up all kinds of wonderful stories. I don't know how many times I played the part of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, but with Trixi as Toto, we'd go from one tree to another, over vacant land, around a garden and finally make it to see the great OZ himself! My Grandparents seldom watched television, rather a radio was turned on to hear the news, and at noon time a whistle would blow to let the farmers and storekeepers know it was time for lunch. In the evenings the sun would display a beautiful rainbow of colors as it departed until the next day, and we could watch it forever, as land extended as far as the eye could see. Among the many other activities going on at my Grandparent's home were neighbors and relatives who would often come to visit. There was a favorite Great-Great Aunt who would come and sit and share stories. She was my Grandmother's Aunt, and in her "twilight years," as she would say. She was the next to the youngest of five girls born to Grandma's Grandparents. As a teenager I remember taking her for rides in the car. She was ready to go at the drop of a hat, and so much fun to be with. I was fortunate to have an Aunt like her, and when at 23 my own daughter was an infant, she was there with loving hands. I have a sweet photo of her holding her Great-Great-Great niece. When this special Aunt came to visit, she wore a gold chain with what I thought had a locket hanging from it. But upon closer inspection I learned it was a watch, which held photographs inside. The chain was a gold rose color, and the watch was gold and beautifully etched. When I was in my mid twenties my G-G-Aunt passed away. The gold chain had been given to my Grandmother some time before that, and she wore it often. When Grandma passed away a few years ago I remembered that gold chain, and I hadn't seen it since she had worn it. My life was busy with my own Grandchildren and other activities; and the chain was forgotten until a year ago at Christmas when we were visiting my parent's home. My Mother brought out a fabric, which was soft and small, and it held a hard round object. To my delight I pulled out the chain and watch which I remembered my Great- Great Aunt and Grandmother wearing. There was no picture in it, but I have a special one of my Great-Great Aunt holding my daughter, that is there now. I realize that five generations are represented in this gold chain and watch, and that is something I feel especially blessed to have. I thank God for the many special memories associated with that time in my life, and when I look at the watch I remember a sweet Aunt who was so much fun; waking to the sounds of a dove, running through fields and bare land with a little dog, a whistle which blew each day from the depot, the beauty at sunset and loving Grandparents who had time for their Granddaughter. These are the gifts which mean the most and the memories worth cherishing. © Diane Dean White 2003 Thelamb212 @ aol.com You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story, just remember to remove the space before and after the @ symbol. The space is placed in the address to protect our writers from viruses and email harvesting programs. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator@write2theheart.com ---------------------------------------------------------------- Diane is a former newspaper reporter and freelance writer. She and her husband Stephen, are the parents of three grown children and two grand-gals, and reside on the Carolina coast where Diane continues her love for writing. Her new book, BEACH WALKS is a variety of short stories and can be reviewed at: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1403366888/heart/ref= nosim She also has an outreach for women called SEEDS of ENCOURAGEMENT, at: http://www.heartwarmers4u.com/members/?thelamb212 -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- Letters From Our Readers -------------------------------------------------------------- I loved “Little Black Bugs.” I admire people who can take an everyday happening and turn it into a Spiritual truth. Kim Such a good story about Lyn's experience with her bugs and how we all have to be on guard, not letting sin into our lives on any level. Good illustration. Diane Dean White --------------------------------------------------------------- Military Prayer Reminder --------------------------------------------------------------- As you read over this list of names, please take that moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Thaddeaus Howard Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ken Prieur Ryan Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. --------------------------------------------------------------- Cheryl's Corner Daughter-in-law Nicole has graduated from beauty school. She and her best friend, Toni, encouraged each other to complete a two- year course in only thirteen months. It was a stressful period for their families and their finances. Not only did they complete it in record time, they were at the top of their class. That was one graduation ceremony I wasn’t about to miss. After all, I’m the proud momma! God Bless, Cheryl ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- © 2003 Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.