Page 23 - Leisure Living Magazine: May 2020 Edition

Dear Andrew,
Well, here I am again sharing tales about things which may interest you...or not. Nevertheless, these pieces will likely belong to your family some day, so I’m trusting you with their stories so they don’t get lost with time, as so many already have.
I’m not sure you know about the long necklace that I wear. My mother was given a beautiful engagement ring before she and dad got married. After my sisters and I were grown, mom teased dad with a sparkle in her eye that she should have a new ring with 3 diamonds to represent their 3 daughters. That Christmas, Dad told us girls to be ready for something special. He handed mom a wrapped gift - obviously a skillet. Inside it - a jeweler’s box containing a ring set with 3 almost perfect, almost 1/2 carat diamonds. Mom had no idea dad had designed a unique ring for her. Both remarked that when mom passed, each of us would get one of those stones. I can wait a long time for that to happen, I thought. The Christmas after she passed, about six years later, dad gave us each a diamond from that ring. We all chose to have pendants made, and we cherish them.
The second necklace that I rarely take off is also oh-so-special, with bittersweet significance. When your sister Sarah passed away, we were all devastated! The funeral director explained that an impression of her thumbprint could be made into jewelry. Sarah’s life and loss so profoundly affected us all, I felt it appropriate to have a piece like that. I know you felt the same way. The design we chose for you is shaped like a dog tag featuring the thumbprint and her name. You may wear it as a necklace for now, and when you’re driving in a few short years, it can be attached to a key ring. As we continue to love and miss her, I hope yours brings you some level of comfort. Mine sure does!
The third object, and last for now, is the good conduct ribbon that your great-grandpa earned in the Army in WWII. I’ve asked many veterans whether it’s disrespectful for a civilian to wear a military bar, as that’s the last thing I’d want to be. Most of them said it’s appropriate if worn over one’s heart in memory and honor of a loved one
Andrew Huffman with Grandma Paula Young
who’s served. That’s what I do every November 11th, Veterans Day, to honor your great- grandfather and everyone who has sacrificed for our country.
I hope I didn’t bore you with these tidbits. The objects and the stories behind them are our legacy. If not now, I’m confident you’ll appreciate them when you’re older. Funny, I believe that I’ve told you the same about your brother!
Love, Grandma
About Paula Young -
I revel in my roles as wife, mom, grandma, and sign language (ASL) interpreter. I love living in Port Clinton on the water in the home we designed. My hobbies are cooking, reading, writing and crochet. With husband Bob, I enjoy hanging out with grandsons Andrew, Alex, Asher, and Adin; and their parents, Aaron and Renee. We also enjoy traveling, boating to the islands, and supporting local entertainers. I look forward to recording many more stories to share and leave as a legacy for my precious little ones.
Dear Andrew
With Love, Grandma, By Paula Young
PART TIME WORK Newspaper Delivery Routes
• MOTOR ROUTE DELIVERY DRIVERS NEEDED
Deliver Lake Front News and Leisure Living Magazine to the area businesses who serve our visitors. Routes currently available in Catawba, Put-in-Bay and Lorain. Work shifts vary from 4-7 hours, one day per week during the summer. You must have a good driving record and a reliable vehicle.
Call Barb at 419-356-8772
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