What a wonderful thread, both for the generosity of the prize and for the glimpses into the hearts of those who have posted. Thank you to MT Damascus and to everyone else!
Of the things I possess, this is the item that I treasure above all else.
It is a gold ring from India, the place of my birth. It has monetary value, I'm sure, although I've no idea what that might be. To me, though, it is priceless. It is my dad's wedding ring, given to him by my mother when they were married in 1972. My dad is still alive. My mother is not. She passed away from cancer in 1990, seven years after we came to the United States. I was eleven when she died, and while I no longer remember her voice, I do recall her sweet smile even through the pain towards the end. My parents made the decision to emigrate so that my two sisters and I would have more education and career opportunities. After mom's death, dad took care of the three of us, never remarrying, and often going without some things so that we could have them. All of the siblings finished school and are married now, each with two children of their own, and dad is enjoying his recent retirement with his six grandchildren.
When I got married twelve years ago to a woman I don't deserve, yet who strangely loves me, I asked my dad if I could have his wedding ring, which he still wore. He agreed without hesitation, and we actually went together to get it sized for me. In many ways, the true value of an item is wrapped up in its history and the memories attached to it. This ring has seen two marriages, five births, a death, and a journey literally half-way across the world. It speaks to me of commitment past - my parents to each other and their children, and present - my wife and I to each other and our twins. Thanks for letting me share it with you all.
There's a lot of strike power.
