It all begins with the yellow charm on the right~a map of South Carolina where I was born. My father was in the military and I was born at the base hospital in Sumter. The Palmetto state reminds me of my beginning.
Going counter clockwise is a baby grand piano with a hinged lid~it speaks of taking piano lessons. I even took lessons while in my 40s.
Next is a charm I received on my graduation from high school, June 4, 1970. Another reason for this charm bracelet is that the date is engraved on the back. I'm not that good!
A Brittany Spaniel, sandwiched in between graduation and a map of Michigan, stands for my granddaddy. He had a quail farm and raised these beautiful dogs. Later when Tracy and I married we inherited a Brittany named Papillion.
Next to the dog is Michigan, the destination of many a family vacation. My Uncle Tom and Aunt Esther lived in Kalamazoo; my family spent many summers in Northport in the "thumb"; I lived in Northport with my "Uncle" Bob and "Aunt" Harriet one summer and worked at a bakery. Tracy and I honeymooned in Elk Rapids. Ahh, Sleeping Bear sand dunes are a delightful memory, too. A good lesson in life in Zambia~take three steps forward, slide back two.
I think the only reason there's a mushroom on the bracelet is because they were popular decorations. I really don't care for them. Tracy is now allergic to this fungus.
A G-clef speaks of my love of choir and piano. Helped me stay out of treble. (Groan!)
The fleur-de-lis reminds me of my two years of French class. Or, was it three? I can still hear Mrs. Wilson's voice. Amazing how much French I still remember. Anyone want to hear the song "Savez-vous Plantez les Chou"?
Hanging on next is a four-leaf clover. I think I got that one St. Patrick's Day. I have a cousin named Pat who was born on that day. I think.
You can't go to St. Louis without visiting the arch, Gateway to the West. I remember going up in the arch on the little train. Was a little scary. And, that must be King Louis on the horse?
The S.S. Admiral is no longer a sight-seeing boat on the Mississippi but there were many a trip on that vessel while a youngster. Met a man from Tunisia on a trip one time. The funny thing about traveling on the S.S., one never is aware of the boat turning around. At least I wasn't.
Had two beagles when I was young, Moochie and Poochie. Loved those dogs and even prayed for them at night.
A map of Missouri is next with Lindenwood College and St. Charles named on it. My cousin Molly attended this school in the town where I grew up; my grandmother was a housekeeper at the same school. I remember visiting my Granny from time-to-time on campus. She would always send us home with things that the students would throw away from their lunch trays~sugar packets, hot cocoa mixes. So that's where I get my dumpster diving habits!
Last of all is a heart with a key, given to me one Valentine's Day. The key to my heart used to be many things~but the Key to my heart became Christ on September 21, 1971, and still is.
This bracelet brings me full circle. Christ was with me in South Carolina on the day of my birth, and He will be with me on the day that I die. He is my Alpha and my Omega. Who would've thought a bracelet could carry so much history?
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