I drove to school every day, and this friend lived right around the corner from me. I would pick him up in the mornings and bring him home after school. We had several classes together all through high school, and I considered him a very dear friend. One thing that impressed me the most about him was he absolutely knew what he was going to do after school, and after school he went and did it. But that's not related to this story.
This young man, Dave, and another friend of mine, Diane, drove together frequently. We were all in Band together, so we would take turns driving to the different rehearsals and events. When I had pneumonia during my senior year, he would bring me my school work (from the classes we had together).
Now, getting to the reason behind the title of this entry.
For high school graduation, Dave's Mom gave Diane and I a gift. It was a very pretty crystal ring holder.
Why I am thinking of this today? While cleaning my room this morning, and dusting the various things on my dresser, this was one of the items there. It dawned on me that of all the physical gifts I got for my high school graduation, this is the only one that I am still aware that I have, and remember who gave it to me. I have used it every day since the day I received it in June of 1982.
Don't get me wrong, it's not that I value the other gifts I received at the time. There were several checks (wonderful thing for high school graduates who are going on to college), a few nic nacs, a typewriter, and several other items which I have long since forgotten. This one item though, brings a flood of memories every time I put my rings on it in the evening, every time I dust it, every time we move and I pack it up.
I know I said my thanks for the gift 20+ years ago, but I wanted to say thanks again for this ring holder that is also a memory holder.