Thursday, October 7, 2010

Walking in Circles Here...Um, Hello?

I know the passing of a parent brings all kinds of issues.  I get that.

I am sitting here in wonder of what just happened.

I know I should keep this to myself and Pooldad - it is personal, but I am really incredulous.

Loss for words kind of thing [natch-you know I lie - I am talking here Tadpoles. Follow along if you care to, but I write this blog for me - and my rules.]

My sister called this evening.  She is the executor of our Mother's estate.  I have no problem with that. My sister is the oldest, an accountant and more knowledgeable then I will ever be in these details. She is also able to kick my brother's butt and not get put in jail for it. [Me?  I would spit on the s.o.b. and get more time than Lindsay Lohan.]

I leave all details to her.

We have talked so many times since our Mom's passing and have discussed the Will.  The things you do when a parent dies.  Right?

Okay - now I have to back up and tell another story.  Ready?  Following me?  Ride along...it is really pretty good.  Well, at least I think so.  Then again? Half the time I think I am talking to myself.  Whatever.

My parents were married 50 years ago in Florida after a 4 month courtship [no kidding] and my Dad bought my Mom what he could afford at that time for her wedding set.  My Mom always called the two rings the "Chips" because it was a bunch of diamond chips in a setting that was made to set them off.  She was always kind of derogatory about it [outside of Dad's hearing] but I loved those rings.  They meant something to me. They were beautiful and they represented what my parents had.  My Mom never wore them, but would take them out once and a while to show me.  I thought they were the epitome of what every girl wanted when they were married.  So beautiful.  So elegant.

I love/d those rings.

My Mom always asked my Dad to receive a prettier wedding set.  She always wanted a big diamond.  I have already explained how my parents claimed poverty for[ever] years and so the idea of a big diamond seemed to be out of the question.  Right?

Wrong.

My Dad surprised my Mom with a platinum set x.x carat diamond ring for their 40th wedding anniversary.

This ring was spectacular.  Dad researched.  Bought the best and lovingly presented it to my Mom.  There were a lot of tears, applause, kudos and admiration over the fact that he bought those rings.  I can't explain my parents in three or four blog posts - nor do I want to - but let's just say Dad did good and Mom was thrilled.  So were us kids.

Still there?  Because here is where it gets weird, but then better.

My Mom called me last year and asked me to sell that ring.  I didn't ask why.  I hemmed, hawed and hung up the phone to avoid doing that.  She WAS NOT selling that ring  At least not on my watch.  My Dad waited 40 years to buy her that ring and I would've been damned if I was going to be a party to the trainwreck that the selling of that ring would've been.  If nothing else it was a heirloom and my sister was entitled to it.

My sister informed me tonight that the ring never was sold.

Imagine my surprise when she told me that our Mom left Squirrel the "Chips". [Nice Nana. Thank you.]

Now picture me as I fell off my chair when my sister told me our Mom left that ring to me...

I get to wear my Dad's love for my Mom on my hand for the rest of my days.

How great is that?

16 comments:

Jeannie said...

Awesome! What about your sister?

I don't expect anything meaningful from my mother. I am her least favourite. I think because I was born.

ellen abbott said...

People are funny right? That big diamond she moaned about and coveted for so long and finally got and then she wanted to sell it. Perhaps it didn't mean as much as she thought it would.

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Even after her passing your Mom is still surprising you. That's kinda her style huh? Well yay for Squirrel and especially yay for you. You are so sweet and sentimental. I love your sweetness. The Olde Bagg

LBB said...

That is such a sweet story of your parents. Thank you for sharing it. It put a smile on my face! :)

Celia said...

Wow! I'm glad she decided to keep it.

Rudee said...

What a wonderful thing! I'm sure it will bring you joy.

life in the mom lane said...

Awwww that is so great!!! I am happy for you Skippy! I think it is the sentimental gifts that are the most valuable (however it seems as if this was both sentimental AND valuable) and it is so nice that she left the other rings to Squirrel!!!

You need to take a pic and show us! :) Congrats!

Teresa said...

that is totally awesome and i'm very happy for you and squirrel. those rings will mean something to you both.

Amy said...

That is so great. What a wonderful thing to wear on your hand as a constant reminder.

Yum Yucky said...

Yay! We all know it's not about the materialistic. It's about what it represents. I'm so glad you get to have it. :)

Sally said...

What a wonderfully unexpected gift! I shed a few tears from the sweetness...I love things like this.

Phelan said...

wonderful

Sandra said...

OMG thank God that post had a happy ending! I kept waiting for a story about how the rings had been sold at a pon shop by brother dearest or that your sister had sold them and split the proceeds, or something awful. So glad you have such a terrific inheritance and token of your parents' love.

RVVagabond said...

After my father died, Mom and I went to a jeweler and designed a ring for her made from the diamond ring she had given Dad for their 40th anniversary. There were no specific bequests in her will when she died, so I bought the ring from the estate because it had meaning for me that it wouldn't have had for my sister. I'm glad your mother had the foresight to create a current will. And that she made sure that the rings would stay in the family.

Kate said...

That is absoloutly wonderful. I'm an only child, and my Bubbie had a diamond rock(ish) that she had made after years of saving her and my Zayda did. She gave it to my mom, and when my boyfriend and I talk getting engaged, he knows that THAT is the ring I will eventually wear. Though, hopefully, not for another 30 years :).

Michaela said...

Wow, SKippy, that is just beautiful. You deserve it, after all the sacrifices you made. xxooo