I’ve been thinking about the word
Promise for last 2 weeks. What does it really mean? Why do so many people break
them?
As children when making a promise
we would say, “cross my heart and hope to die!” Silly when you think about it why the heck
would someone hope to die. Chalk that one up to childhood stupidity.
Promise for me is sacred. If I give
my word, it’s gold. I’ll do what I say and say what I’ll do. I guess it comes
from my upbringing. The phrase “I promise” in our household is NEVER used
lightly because for us it’s a binding contract. The word ranks up there with “I
love you” and “I trust you.” Serious stuff eh?
The last Saturday (Best Day Ever)
I spent with Tony before he embarked on his college adventure he gave me
something to hold onto. Very few words were spoken other than… Um, I can’t take
this… are you sure?!?
The gesture was so sweet and endearing
I found myself screaming something in my head. In my head people and not out loud.
“I promise”.
I hadn’t told anyone until Thursday
night. Shock value is an interesting thing with my parents. I casually
approached my mother and said, “Hey mom do you want to see what Tony gave me?”
Mom had been away for 2 ½ weeks so she was in a “Yes… whatever you say” kind of
mood. So, I show her the gift, she looks at me, and back at the ring... AND says
OUT LOUD, “Um, why do you have Tony’s ring?” “Hey Mike do you know about this?”
Wait for it… My Dad’s head does
the inspector gadget move and says, "NO!" It was funny because the only other time I heard
about him doing the Inspector Gadget move was when he first met Tony (um sitting next to me with his arm
innocently on the bench when I was a Freshman). I laughed so hard. Of course, we discussed
the gift… Let’s just say I will leave that discussion for a chapter in Penelope’s
“best of... wait for it moments!”
Now I’m seated in the upright
position taking my SAT’s on this gorgeous Saturday morning… yes, a 4-hour ordeal. Fidgeting with the ring on my
necklace and a smile on face.
