Ten years ago, Dear Reader, I signed the final paperwork to release my legal action against the driver that caused my car accident in 2008. It took over five years to settle the lawsuit. Five years of lawyer’s meetings, doctor’s appointments, and endless forms to complete. I remember leaving the law office for the final time. Paperwork and a modest settlement cheque in hand, jumping in my car, feeling freaking fantastic – and promptly bursting into tears.
It was over.
Finally.
The weight that I had been carrying fell off me like a coat that was much too big. I could feel it slipping away and the sweet release that accompanied it moved me to tears.
And once I had cried that last tear, I made a decision to drive myself to the local jewellery shop and purchase something just for me – something to remind me of the journey I had taken, of the trial and tribulations I had faced, of the persistence and perseverance I had needed to draw on, and yes, even of the pain that I had endured.
Milestones
I bought a diamond ring that day – five small diamonds on either side of a center stone, cast in white gold, one-of-a-kind. It was, and continues to be, the perfect representation and reminder of that particular storyline in my life – I have worn it every day since and I would not feel “right” without it there, gracing my right hand.
This ring is a souvenir, if you will, and its purchase was a way of marking an incredible milestone in my life. I have always believed in marking important moments in significant ways, whether through the purchase of a piece of jewelry, a ritual of some kind, a special meal, or even just that glorious moment of watching the sunset and marking that moment for myself: A job well done. A task complete. A conversation well-navigated. A decision made. An ending. A beginning. Sometimes even a messy middle. The moments worth marking – and celebrating – take on all shapes and sizes, as far as I see it, none more or less important than the last, all worthy of note.
You Done Good
I believe that the act of marking milestones – no matter their shape or size – is akin to hearing my Dad say, “You done good, kid,” and that somehow the energy of knowing that indeed, I “done good,” grows within me and extends beyond me in the way that good energy does. It spreads and touches others and maybe, just maybe, they hear the words, too. Maybe somewhere, somehow, some stranger pushing a grocery cart, screaming toddler by the hand, feeling at their wit’s end, turns their head ever-so-slightly and hears the words, “You done good, kid,” at the very moment they felt like no one was ever going to notice nor appreciate them again. And maybe, just maybe, it changes something. Maybe, just maybe, it makes a difference.
At least, that’s how I like to imagine it, anyways.
And so I say to you, Dear Reader, in case you need to hear it, too, “You done good, kid.”
You done really, really good, and I am marking these milestones with you.
Big love,
Rebecca
Find more from Rebecca here.
