Often I get asked, “Please, let me see your bracelet.” I proudly hold out my arm and display my favorite piece of bling. As each person oohhs and aahhs over the charms, my inner happy smiles, for to me it’s an extremely precious bracelet. It contains the essence of the generations for almost 100 years.

There are 13 charms on a gold link wristlet. Each has a tale of its own. Some are happy; others are sad. But each shows facets of the person it represents. The oldest piece is part of a trio of gold disks that are engraved with a child’s initials. Mama’s is from 1912, mine 1936, and my daughter Lucy’s 1966. It was a custom in our family for children to cut their teeth on gold. Each ornament reflects the tiny teeth marks imprinted oh so many years ago.

Mama’s wedding band is slender and dainty like she was, with tiny engraved stars etched on the thin circle. She was so proud of her petite ankles; she wore a gold anklet disk inscribed with her name on one side and her address on the other.

As I glance at the charms I think, “How could I forget the 1954 high school ring?” It’s proof that I’m a graduate soon going off to college. My parents’ plan was to send me to school to get an MRS (Mrs.) degree. I dutifully obeyed, and that’s how it all began with the bracelet and menorah (candle stand) charm over 50 years ago. Joe, a Boston University law student, was totally acceptable as a beau and all was cozy. The bracelet was a serious token of his affection. We were planning the happy day, when along came the war and Joe went off to fight for his country. All serious plans of marriage were cancelled. (I got to keep the bracelet.)

Several charms were added: my high school ring and the gold disk bearing my teeth marks with the engraved initials M.H.G.

Time passed and I met Lucy’s daddy-to-be in London. When he popped the question in 1963, it was the fashion for brides to go to the Silver Vaults deep underground in the “City” (business district) of London to choose their rings and silver patterns. One actually entered into a huge vault with humongous doors that could close and lock. Dealers’ booths lined the aisles. The flash of the polished silver and diamonds gave reflections of brilliant light. Overwhelmed doesn’t begin to describe my reaction as I looked at all the lavish bounty. It felt like I was in Aladdin’s treasure trove. I even thought I heard a slight whisper, “Myrna, Myrna, come here. I’m over here on the glass display case.” Glancing around the vault’s interior, I couldn’t discern the direction of the voice, so I just ignored it. Again I heard, “Myrna, please come here.”

Now, I readily admit I don’t believe in random voices in my head, but I assure you a compelling force seemed to draw me to one of the stalls. There nestled in a dove gray velvet box was the perfect ring. Maybe I imagined it calling me, but not only was it a perfect fit, the center stone was a peridot, my birthstone. Surrounding the pretty green stone were four tiny seed pearls. I felt a connection and knew the ring had chosen me. How could I refuse it?

Next to the engagement ring on the charm bracelet is a tin, brass-washed, five and dime ring. I am aware it doesn’t belong but when we lost the wedding band on the day of the ceremony, it was a fine substitute. I will spare you the drama as we searched the apartment looking for the 22-karat gold band for an hour and a half. Giving up at last, we purchased a replacement. (Later I found my band under a pillow.)

The penny I wore in my shoe for good luck on the wedding day is preserved in a coin holder, reminding me of how painful it is to walk all day with a coin in your shoe. Numerous charms were added over the years. Mama passed and I added her teething heart, wedding band and ankle disk. Lucy was born and received her own teething heart and a disk with a tiny diamond with her inscribed date of birth. Her charms were soldered on after she passed in 1975. For my 42nd birthday, a Virgo zodiac sign joined the collection.

The last charm added was a solid 14-karat nut. It represents the funniest car story I’ve ever experienced. It started at a yard sale. (Where else do I go?) We were shopping in Greer, and Winslow was looking at an old car parked next to a garage. I was busy purchasing merchandise for our store in Central, but whenever Winslow starts to look at expensive items I try to tune in on his conversation. I heard him say, “Two hundred dollars? I’ll take it.”

At once, I turned and gave him my full attention. “HHMMUP! What are you buying?” “Don’t worry, dear. I know what I’m doing.” I admit those were familiar words, having heard them previously. “Are you sure — huh — dear?” I asked. He just nodded and said, “Write a check, Myrna,” and reluctantly, I did as requested. But I drew the line at him telling me I’d drive it home. All I could imagine was a parade going down the highway. Our truck in the lead, a U-Haul next and me steering a car pulled by a chain. Then he said the other phrase that gives me goose bumps, “Everything will be all right, dear.”

At this point he went over to the car, lifted the hood and messed with the engine. Then he handed me the key and said, “Go start the car.” I cocked an eyebrow and did as I was told. When the car started, Winslow smiled and said, “I knew it.” He then turned to the seller and told him he’d be back later for the car. My curiosity got the best of me. “OK, what just happened?” Win grinned and his bright blue eyes got brighter. “Well,” he drawled, “The man who was selling the car wasn’t what you call too swift. He did some work on the car, and when he put it back together, he added an extra nut. No matter what or how he fiddled with it, it wouldn’t start. I saw his mistake and realized the car was alright.”

After two years of use, we traded the car in as a $1,000 down payment on a van. Winslow had the nut replicated in 14-karat gold as a memory for my bracelet. Well, that’s the bracelet’s story. They say everything has a price, but not this bracelet. Not even for a million dollars.

“There is a dance in the old dame yet” Don Marquis

Myrna McKee is a Freelance Writer, Inspirational Speaker and Columnist: http://www.upstatetoday.com; The Journal: columns include “A Slice of Life,” “How to Live Life Lower on the Hog” and the column for seniors “Prime Time.” Blog “painlesspennypinching.com”

E-mail her at mmyrnamckee@bellsouth.net.