Put a Ring on It

As of today, Mr. Sam Torres and I have been wed for 22 years.

Like most young 

*coughcoughIwasnearly30and7yearsolderthanhimcoughcough*

brides, I went with a less expensive ring

so that our funds could be sunk into something more important,

like Chateau Inferno.

A lot of women upgrade as they go.

All these years later, I have the same house, the same husband,

and the same ring.

But when you look at some of the glittering choices out there,

my, my, my, there are some good arguments for change.

How about multiple karats that span your hand like the ice age?

As opposed to a couple of beat up bands with the stones missing.

Hmmmmmm...this seems to ave all the stones, as well as

a lot of glamor.

This ring has private side entrances and superior ventilation.

 This one seems exceptionally strong and solid,

like it would last well.

Mine seem to have cracked under the pressure of years of hard work.

However, it's still comfortable.

Now here's a sparkler that looks spectacular from any view.

In contrast, these look like I've had them for a millennium.

Also from any view.

A lot of dazzle for your dollar here, like a shiny new toy.

Let's face a fact here though.

A new ring is a temptation.

They're beautiful, charming, and shiny.

They hold the pizazz of the unfamiliar,

which is always exciting.

And every new ring is perfect when you first try it on.

You may not see the flaws until you've worn it a while.

By the time you find them, and learn how to work with them,

you may not be as comfortable.

New things always beckon.

Before long, they aren't new anymore, and you're back where you started.

Are you going to toss that ring and move on again?

The band I originally slid on my finger is broken in;

the breaks and missing stones are earned.

It's been through a lot, and it still fits, feels right, compliments my hand.

Love is one of those things that gets worn in and ages well.

You learn what each other needs, you figure it out together.

You support each other through all of the hardest times.

It may lose some glitter, but it does keep its glow.

I'm getting a bauble for my anniversary, but the ring stays in place.

It symbolizes everything good and strong that makes up Sam and me.

Through three children, special needs, aging parents, a house fire, and health scares,

we've listened and understood.

It's lasted. And it's right.

Besides, you guys know damned well with my taste, I'd end up with this.

I know, right?