Favorite Bands

Forty-five years ago this month, my husband and I said, "I do, for better or worse." We exchanged rings, shared the obligatory kiss and headed down the aisle. The ladies of the church had the ham buns, pickles, chips and cream cheese mints ready to go at the reception. Our conservative roots meant no dancing so cheesy speeches and corny jokes filled the evening. We chose to honeymoon in northern Minnesota, maybe not the best choice in October, but the rates were low and the crowds were few.

My daughter asked me how we were going to celebrate our anniversary this year. Hmmm, good question. We are not into pomp and circumstance and travel is still a bit weird so I said we would probably celebrate the way we often do by going about our daily business. I did, however, break tradition and make a purchase for our anniversary gifts. Yes, I purchased a gift for each of us. Romantic, I know.

A little background first. I am on my second wedding ring due to my negligent behavior with rings. I never take my rings off so they must withstand bleach, dirt, bread dough and whatever else a day might bring. I am too lazy to bring my rings in for maintenance so inevitably prongs get weak or bent and stones are lost. My first wedding ring lost its diamond so it was replaced by a new ring. My current ring has one less sapphire due to a bent prong and it is only a matter of time before another one goes. My husband's rings have also seen better days. His occupation as a carpenter means lots of abuse so he is on his second ring as well. It was time for new wedding bands and this time they need to be simple and durable. I prefer to have this set get us to our assisted living days.

I hate shopping and jewelry stores rank near the top of painful settings. I decided to set parameters on my jewelry store selection. First, the store had to be local, no chains allowed. Secondly, the store must not be located in the mall. Ugh, just the thought of a trip to the mall stops me dead in my tracks. Finally, my preference was a store within a short driving distance from my house. And, bonus points to any store opening before ten o'clock in the morning. A quick Google search gave me a store that fit the bill. Take a deep breath and do the deed.

I always feel like a bull in a china shop with the abundance of glass and sparkling baubles in jewelry stores but the gentlemen at the store were absolutely delightful. My new friends listened kindly and were not judgemental as I explained my need for new wedding bands, round three. Their suggestions made quick work of the process and I soon had two matching bands selected.

My long suffering husband accepted my selection of bands without judgment or fuss. Perhaps that is the secret to a long relationship, for better or worse.