100 years

Today would have been my great-grandparents 100th wedding anniversary.

How do I know? Because I was blessed to be given my great-grandmother's wedding band, and it has an inscription along the inside.
Can you see the date?

Inside this simple golden band, it reads: From HP to MP 12-23-11

Today is 12-23-11... but not the same one!

It's amazing to hold something in my hand that I know is at least 100 years old. It's incredible to think about that day 100 years ago, when 2 people who would become my great-grandparents came together in marriage. It's awe-inspiring to think about my history going back and back and back... 100 years and beyond.

I never met my great-grandparents.

But I knew (and loved) their daughter, my Grandma. She was a hard-working farm wife. She made the most amazing lamb cake, complete with coconut "wool" icing. She loved life and always had a smile on her face. We share a name and a birthday.

She was amazing.

And I knew (and loved) her daughter, my Mom. She was a funny, friendly lady who never met a stranger. She had a contagious laugh and was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She had the most beautiful eyes, but you never got to see them because they disappeared when she smiled... and she was always smiling. We share those eyes and a love of music and a zany sense of humor.

She was amazing.

And I know (and mostly love!) her daughter... Me.

Who I am is a complex tapestry woven from the strengths and weaknesses, the joys and trials, the life experiences of those who came before me... all wrapped up and tied with a bow by the God who made me just who He wanted me to be.

And like a 100-year old wedding ring passed down from generation to generation... I am a legacy of those who came before me. And my life is the legacy I pass on to those who will come next.

Wow.

Now that's amazing!