by Esther P. Chase

Charms in Gold and Silver for Stevie and Laura's Big Announcement

My Mother's Day charm sparkles on my 14kt gold charm bracelet. Charms in sterling silver, white gold, and yellow gold remind me just how appreciated I was as a mother and a mother-in-law. I remember the day Laura presented it to me, a glistening 14K gold charm for a gold charm bracelet. That was the Mother's Day before Elizabeth got married. The weather that June was perfect and my daughter was a beautiful bride. Laura's charm jewelry, sterling silver charms, Rembrandt charms, and 14kt and 10kt gold charm display was a huge hit at the reception. In fact, many guests told me discussing the charms for charm bracelets was the main topic of dinner conversation.

Shortly after Elizabeth's wedding, Steve and I treated ourselves to a trip. It was not for any special occasion, we just needed some R&R. We spent a very relaxing time being pampered in a real Irish Castle! As is tradition, I ordered charms for my charm bracelet. One I selected from chains and charms' bagpipe charms collection and the other from the Ireland charms collection.

While looking at my charms bracelets and charm jewelry collection, I realized I did not have a birthstone charm. I checked on www.chains-and-charms.com and quickly remedied this oversight. This is the only charm on my charms bracelets that is a "to me, from me, with love" present.

Steve and I belonged to an athletic club where we played tennis and swam. At our ages and with our sedentary careers, we needed the exercise. When Steve and I won the pairs competition, the committee presented me with one of the tennis charms for my charms bracelet. All of our friends and associates were aware of our passion for charm jewelry. I never won a swim competition, but Steve ordered one of the sterling silver swimming charms for a charms bracelet. He said it was because I always tried so hard!

Stevie later called and asked that we keep a weekend open when Elizabeth and Daniel would also be available. He and Laura wanted to come down for the weekend and take everyone to dinner. Because his request was so formal (not Stevie's usual style), we anticipated there would be an "announcement," but I refrained from asking. I vacillate between: a) Stevie had been made a partner, b) Stevie and Laura are getting a divorce, or c) Stevie and Laura are announcing they are pregnant. I hoped for "c" and was a nervous wreck until the weekend finally arrived. As soon as I saw Laura, I knew my "c" choice was correct-she was absolutely glowing. I said nothing because I didn't want to spoil their announcement. However, my mind was already selecting my long awaited grandchild charms for my charms bracelet.

Chapter 19 - My First Grandson Charm!