When I was a kid, my grandmother inspired me. This is not meant literally. It was always a joy to see her at the door. She would open her arms and smile, then giggle. Grandma June, a beautiful grandmother who loved her grandchildren dearly, was much more than that. Her hair remained perfectly curled, she applied her rose-colored lipstick flawlessly and her nails changed color constantly. Each time I visited, her outfit was even more vibrant. She was fascinating in every way. Her vast collection of jewelry was what I found most fascinating.
Jewels were adorning her entire body. They matched perfectly from her ear to her finger. Her charm bracelet in gold was always her favourite. The chain was made up of rings with alternating smooth and rigid textures. It barely fitted around her wrist. In the two years she wore it, only 2 charms were hung on the chain. One charm features a ballerina boot with a hollowed middle, ready to receive a human foot. Small engravings are on the sides of the shoe. A delicate rose-coloured gemstone is positioned on the tip. One is a wishing well with a triangular-shaped roof that looks like wood. The spindle is located underneath the handle. This can cause your hand to be painfully pricked. Both sit atop of the circular brickwell.
I think back to the time spent with her at her Tsawwassen bed and breakfast. We sat opposite each other on cushions at the glass coffeetable. As I looked at the gold chain on her wrist, she would stare directly into my eyes and wait to tell me, “Go-fish.” We would play cards during our visits. Most of my attention was focused on watching her bracelet move up and down the arm. Dinner was soon to follow. Annie’s Macaroni and Cheese, my favorite dish from Grandma June, was always on the table. As she stirred the pasta, I stood in the corner while the charms moved. After dinner, it was bedtime. After a good meal, I would climb up into the twin bed in the bedroom upstairs. While tucking me into bed, she would kiss my forehead with her hands and lightly brush them across my cheeks. My cheek was always smeared with the dancer’s shoes.
This continued until my mother became ill. Dementia made her a soulless body. Her final years were spent at hospitals and in nursing homes. She could no longer maintain her appearance. This included wearing jewelry. While she was ill, the bracelet disappeared. It’s almost like I forgot it.
I didn’t know about it until my aunt gave me the will of Grandma June. It was surprising and heartwarming because it meant that she noticed my fascination. My aunt grinned and handed me a gift-wrapped small box, as if I was going to be thrilled. I was indeed. Nevertheless, the situation was not ideal. My lips were trembling and my eyes were watering as I looked down at the bracelet. It was difficult to put on and I asked Auntie Shelly’s help. The bracelet didn’t initially fit well. The chain was almost about to fall off my wrist. The chain was cold at first, but warmed up as it wrapped around my arm. It was beautiful to watch the golden chain sparkle in the sunlight. I used to looking at it from far away, but now I could see it up close. As the charms moved down my arm and reminded of her, I was delighted.
After a while, I started wearing it daily. I wore it a lot because I liked watching other people ogle at it. I wore it everywhere, at school, for dances, and to bed. One day I was swimming with a group of friends in the pool located at my building. Despite not having removed Grandma June’s necklace, I still felt the need to do so (the chloride was a concern). It was with hesitation that I carefully laid it on the ground next to a towel. We played Marco Polo while holding diving competitions. In a fit of habit I shook my arm as I returned home to position the bracelet. However, I did not hear any chiming and felt no movement. My cheeks were hot and my breathing increased quickly. After racking my brains, I remembered that I had removed it before going swimming. I rushed to the backdoor, still in my bathing suit with wet hair. Fear gripped me as I pleaded with the front office to let me into the pool. I was more worried about losing the bracelet than the actual item. The charm bracelet became so much bigger than I thought. The oval-shaped links are not just for the chain. They also connect me to Grandma. It was retrieved by the concierge, and I felt a calmness return to my body.
In that moment, I realized how much I loved the bracelet. Sometime it is annoying. It can get caught on my clothes and poke my hand. After a while, I want to wear it again. It can be a simple metal accessory. At other times, however, it allows me to feel the warmth of her, hear her laughs, see and sense her spirit.
Looking back, it’s odd to see how much I focused on her accessories, which took away my attention, instead of focusing on our visits. Wish I could have been more present. Unfortunately, I can’t change my childhood fascinations.
But now, I wear the bracelet not because it looks good, but because it is sentimental. Although the bracelet may be one of my favorite pieces of jewelry, it isn’t the only one. The back of the shoe has a dent, which some might consider worn. My grandmother gifted me this item, so it is valuable. The fact that you can see her pink lipstick on the shoe tip is comforting.
