Before dh & I got married, his father (my future FIL) presented me with a watch that had belonged to dh's mother (who died, at age 53, before I ever met her -- although dh & I were a couple by then and she knew about me). FIL gave another watch that had belonged to MIL to SIL, and both of us wore those watches as "something old" on our respective wedding days, and on special occasions (such as weddings) in the 30+ years since then. (We also divided MIL's other jewelry between us.)
The watch I inherited is a dainty thing, with a small round face and a solid but flexible silver, etched band. Nobody remembers exactly where or when MIL had got it, but it's at least 40-50 years old. Shortly after our wedding, when we were getting property insurance for our belongings, I took the watch to a jewelry shop to be appraised.
(Sidenote for readers in the Greater Toronto Area: the jewelry shop was a small independent store recommended by a girlfriend who had her engagement & wedding rings custom-made there. Located on Yorkville Avenue, which probably tells you everything you need to know. Very expensive, very tony -- I felt very out of place being there. Which makes it all the more amusing that years later, the same jeweller is now infamous throughout the GTA as "the Cashman" who "gives you money for your gold" and advertises with brash, noisy, campy commercials on TV!! Oh, yeahhhhhh!!! lol)
"That old thing?" said dh. Imagine his surprise (not to mention my own) when we learned that the silver was actually white gold, and the watch was worth a small four-figure sum -- a substantial amount of money at the time, especially for a pair of impoverished newlyweds. Needless to say, between special occasions, it's spent most of the past 30+ years in the safety deposit box. ;)
I never felt the watch (or MIL's other jewelry) was truly mine. I always felt that I was just holding it in safekeeping for the next generation, perhaps for my own daughter to wear at her wedding someday.
Of course, that day will never come. And BIL & SIL had two boys.
But those boys are now both engaged and planning their weddings. Dh & I talked about it to SIL & BIL recently, and a few weeks ago, I told Oldest Nephew's fiancée about the watch and its history, and asked if she would like to wear it at her own wedding this fall. (SIL will give the other watch that she inherited to Younger Nephew's fiancée, when the time comes.) She looked surprised but pleased and said yes, of course. I told her I would bring her the watch the next time we saw them, and she could see it and decide then if she'd like to have it.
This past weekend, at Younger Nephew's engagement party, dh & I took Older Nephew & his fiancée aside to a private corner (BIL came with us too, beaming with pride) & I pulled the watch out of my purse & helped Fiancee put it on her wrist. I could tell from her reaction that she was overwhelmed.
"You know, I've never really worn a watch, but this is BEAUTIFUL. I love it!!" she said, as she hugged me tightly. "I'm so glad," I said (and I was). Older Nephew gave me a big hug too. "You know, I never really felt like this was mine... I've just been taking care of it until you & your brother grew up to give it to you," I told him.
Back upstairs, they showed the watch to FIL (who is now in his late 80s). "You gave this to me, and now I'm giving it to her," I explained to him. We hadn't told him we were doing this, and I wasn't sure what his reaction would be, but he seemed very pleased, and gave Fiancee a big hug of his own. Both Older Nephew and Fiancee thanked dh & me again before we left later that evening.
The last few years have been one big round of transitions: letting go of old dreams and possessions, passing the torch to the younger generation, facing the reality of aging without children. It isn't always easy -- but sometimes, there are moments like this one where you get a glimpse of the future and your impact on it (however small), and you feel a little better about things. There's sadness about what didn't happen and what might have been, and some fear & trepidation at what might lie ahead on this road less travelled -- but also hope for the good things that might still transpire and the memories still to be made.
That's lovely - I have what sounds like a similar watch from my mother (not nearly as expensive, but small face, white gold, flexible metal band). That's the thing - I think there's always someone who will appreciate your history - even if it's someone you don't actually know. My husband collects (and fixes and sells) pocket watches - mostly because he loves the history of them.
ReplyDeleteThere's this dream we all have of passing treasured items on to future generations. It's something we've been a part of as the younger generation and a tradition we want to continue. There's also this assumption that the only ones who get to partake in this tradition are those who are parenting.
ReplyDeleteYears ago, I was gifted a beautiful set of china. It belonged to be great-aunt and her son (who I refer to as my uncle) and his wife wanted me to have it. Though they have sons, they chose me as they believed I would appreciate it the most. It is still very treasured and I look forward to the day I can pass it on. But the thing that still sits with me is this was a gift given outside the direct blood-line. There are many who claim I shouldn't have accepted this because I'm not a daughter. Even though it is precious.
I'm glad the tradition of the watches is alive and you are promoting it.
Such a beautiful story! Made me tear up a little bit. Your nephews (and their future wives) are lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteThis is so lovely. I hope the bride treasures that "something old" as such a sweet family tradition.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautifully touching story. I’m glad the offering was well received by all parties involved.
ReplyDeleteI’ve come to realise that as much as I want to maintain a familial link to mementos, I’ll be just as happy if they end up with somebody who appreciates them.
I laughed when I read the title of this post.
I took my mum for an appointment today and the conversation turned to the old watch she wears that needed repairing. From our brief “expert research” (Google!), we think it’s 75-80 years old, a very well-known brand and she also revealed that it belonged to my grandfather. She wears it because it has a big face that she can easily read as well as being a reminder of her FIL. It now begs the question, how did he afford it in the 1930s?
This really is beautiful, Loribeth. Brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteThis is really lovely. I think when we let go of our own dreams, we can take so much pleasure in taking part in others.
ReplyDeleteNow you've got me thinking about another post, darn it!
Overwhelmed with tears. I am sure the watch will be cherished for years and I am glad you were able to share it with your nephew's fiancée. Many hugs to you Loribeth. As always.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post. Makes me think of all the little things my mum left behind.
ReplyDelete