Community voices: Do I continue to wear my wedding ring or what?

Shared Stories & Wisdom

By Julia Kelso

I turned 62 in June and was married just shy of 40 years. My dear husband Fred died a year and a half ago. I continued to wear my ring, but after a year it just seemed weird.

There is no right or wrong in this matter because this is so personal. For me, my husband was no longer here and that meant the marriage vows we had taken — “Till death do us part” — were over. If I was to take my ring off, what would I replace it with? I didn’t want it to appear like I was on the lookout for someone.

So, after much reflection, I thought why not replace it with what I am committed to, and that is my family that came from my marriage with Fred.

We have three daughters and they each are married with children. I decided I needed a family commitment ring. I contacted Beaudet Jewelers, who we had used before. The jeweler helped pick out birthstones for each family member, sons in law included. The stones were set in three separate rings, one for each daughter. They stack beautifully on my ring finger.

After Mass one Sunday I had two of our Parish Priests in front of me. After telling them about my ring and the meaning behind it, I asked them to please bless it. Just as my wedding ring was blessed, now my family ring is blessed too. As I get closer to my final days, I will take the rings off and give each daughter her family ring.

I love wearing these rings and what they stand for:  the family Fred and I started and the family I love.

From the editor— Sincere thanks to Julia for sharing. Stories and wisdom are among our most valuable treasures as a community — please share yours! Contact Jennifer at publisher@50plusmagazine.net or 971 200 9686.