It can be funny sometimes, the circumstances in which we meet those people that seem destined to be our life-long friends. The story behind this necklace, always serves as that kind of reminder to me. I met a woman, I think it was about 2 1/2 years ago now, who was quite distressed. Her native tribe was lost to her, her dreams were overwhelming, her health was swiftly spiraling downward. I spent quite a long while talking with the woman, and we exchanged addresses. I thought that maybe, I could make something to help. I am no trained medicine woman, I just have a strong intuition that doesn't let me rest. I made a pouch of sorts, shipped it off, gave her some herbal, meditation, and diet advice, and prayed for the best.
I heard back from her several months later via a box in the mail. There were a few little thank you gifts, but the most important thing was a long letter and the photos enclosed. Her health was improving, she was more active and in considerable less pain. The best news was that she was coming the next spring to visit. I made her another pouch, but the best part of the whole experience was being able to see her walk around more freely. The photos were of her walking around in her yard, or working on it. And there were honest smiles there! To be able to see her face to face again with that kind of renewed energy was the best kind of gift anyone can receive.
Before we parted ways on the last evening of her stay, she gave me a bulky letter, and asked me not to open it until she left. Inside were three shells and a handful of stone chip beads, along with a letter to explain. She was able to walk on the beach again, and she choose three of the shells that spoke to her our of her collection she was able to pick to give to me. As for the stones, she always wore an anklet made of those chips, and when she got out of the car the first day she got to the island, the band broke and all the stones fell neatly on the ground. She felt that their use was done, and that it was time for them to go to me so I could do whatever it was I wanted or needed to do with them. I have a huge tackle box full of beads from either my mother (who has been kind enough to send me down packages when she see's some sale going on in Pennsylvania) and from when
Fire Mountain Gems has some really good sales, so I had a wide heishi to use as the top accents.
We still keep in contact, though, life tends to take its sharp turns to make it difficult at times. I painted a little yellow warbler on a feather for her recently for Christmas/Yule/Solstice. She's still doing good, and has a little grandbaby to occupy her time. The beautiful and amazing thing here isn't that her health improved, or that I was given thank you gifts. But rather that on what seems like a chance meeting, we have both gained a friendship that has meant so much for each one of us. I wear the necklace often, it reminds me of her, and how close we can be even though we're several states apart. It reminds me of how a single meeting can change one's life so drastically and in such a positive way.
When I make personalized jewelry, it help for me to know the person. Are they ostentatious? Do they tend to dress up often? What is their personal style? What is their personality like? If you've ever browsed a lot of jewelry shops or sites you start to notice that each and every piece seems to be suited for someone special. There are huge, chunky necklaces just as often as there are dainty charms on delicate chains. So, in a way, I was really fortunate to have a good friend as a client!
