An Unexpected Jewel

A few weeks ago, I received a package in the mail from my blogging needle friend, Sheila.

I wasn't expecting it. She hadn't told me she was sending it. It just arrived.

A little shabby velvet box with a tiny mother-of-pearl clasp.

Inside was an antique stick pin...it has no jeweler's mark...But I'm fairly certain it's made from white gold and yellow gold...with a real diamond chip in it's center. It's not very big, just shy of 1/2" long...

She sent it to me just in case I might need it for my Breakfast at Tiffany's piece.

How did she know?

At one time I had thought it would be wonderful to include a real piece of jewelry in my block, but I didn't really have anything in my jewel box that would work. It was just a wish and I had dismissed it.

Yet here it was.

Along with a handwritten note that told me the story...

"I mention in particular the diamond stick pin from Mr. Miller. He was a retired mailman who daily walked our neighborhood and who befriended all the children as we waited at the bus stop in the mornings. When he cleaned out his house in 1987 to move to his son's, he gave this to my mom to pass along to me. Honestly, I treasure my memories of his morning visit even more...And this has sadly sat in the dark for too long. A celebration of love, tucked away."

There is so much beauty to this whole story.

The love of Mrs. Miller who went to a jewelry store to buy the stick pin for her husband.

The special fondness of old Mr. Miller for little Sheila, a young girl who must have given him great joy as he walked through the years of his retirement and his wife passing away.

The protectiveness of Sheila for Mr. Miller and his legacy...to ensure that his story continues to be told and his treasure is no longer left in darkness.

And finally, Sheila's trust for me and my creative process. A friend whom I have never met, yet feel as if she lives next door.

And that's the beauty of blogging isn't it?

The connections we make and the life dreams we share.

It's amazing how much I am influenced by all who choose to stop by here and participate, even for the briefest moment, in my life.

I have read books I would never have read. I have tried new techniques I never would have known about if not for you. I have traveled to places I wouldn't go by myself. And shared the joys and sorrows that inevitably are part of living our lives...births and marriages; divorces and deaths; triumphs and success; fears and failures...

I had never anticipated how rich life could become by writing a blog. I now have a whole community of friends that enlarge my circle and who choose to play a part in my story -- and I in theirs.

And yet, their photographs are not in frames that others can view.

I often tell the stories of my blogging friends to my family around the dinner table or to my friends when we're on a walk. And they're always amazed at how much I know about these people I've never met. And how much we help and support one another through these vehicles called "blogs".

You are all the unexpected jewels in my life's treasure box and bravo to my friend Sheila for bringing that to light.

I am honored to be the next steward of Mr. Miller's jewel and it will be my greatest treasure at Tiffany's (the Susan Elliott version)...

Thanks to Sheila and to everyone who has ever sent me a tip, a book, an encouraging remark, a button, a smile, a hank of "hair"...

I am very grateful for your friendship.

See you tomorrow...