Money on an Ensign's salary was enough to feed and house us. But Christmas was coming....I was pregnant...so love was our gift to each other....
We had our tree; a real one. Our new dog, "Henry"had joined us,....Not yet housebroken, he chose the floor behind the tree to disguise that fact.
A huge box had arrived from Charlie's parents....so many gifts for just the two of us, all wrapped with sweet notes on each one. I looked at my husband. Tears ran down his face.
But what could I give to him? We had found baby furniture on base, brand new, half price. Just when we needed it, but all our money was spent on that furniture
.
My ring! I didn't need that ring.... It was an opal, my birthstone, but I never wore it. Surely, Bess Wright, the family friend who had left it to me would understand.
I had seen a watch that was just right for my Charlie. The jewelry store had a sign in the window: "Highest prices paid for your jewelry".
That's it! I can sell my ring and buy my love a watch.....
I climbed the stairs to Duane Fish Custom Jewelry. I showed my ring to him.
"This is a beautiful ring. ...Why are you selling it? If I were to buy this ring, I would give you $75.00".
Seventy-five DOLLARS? My heart jumped! I could buy the watch!
"But don't sell me your ring. Go home and have your Christmas with your husband. You need to keep your ring and enjoy it. Christmas will come."
Disappointed, I went back to our sweet home.
The mailman came. A letter addressed to me....from my dad.
Merry Christmas! In it was a check..for $75.00!
I went back to the jewelers. There was the perfect watch. I bought it.
And I have never forgotten that kind man....I have the ring today, and I think of Duane Fish when I wear it!
