Grandma’s Love: Captured Forever With The Cardinal Necklace
In my childhood, my grandmother, already a homemaker, took on the role of caring for me whenever my parents were busy with work or social commitments.
I spent so much time with my grandmother that she and I became very close. She was there for me every single day growing up. Whenever I came back from school she would be waiting for me, snack in hand, when I got off the bus. Every afternoon she would spend time with me and help me with my homework.
When I was 20, I got myself a puppy who became like a child to me. Whenever I was away my puppy Mack naturally became grandma’s responsibility. She would, of course, spoil him rotten. This spoiling took the form of endless treats, scrambled eggs for breakfast, and plenty of newly-formed bad habits (like having to sit at the dining table with us for meals).
As Mack approached 14 years old, I no longer felt comfortable leaving him home alone while I was at work. He needed extra care and attention. At age 86 my grandmother agreed to start watching him while I worked during the day. This decision helped take their bond from great to extraordinary.
At first, I felt guilty having an 86 year old watch my dog and wondered if it was wrong to give her this burden. But I quickly realized how happy it made her. She felt a sense of purpose. She even started exercising again.
Mack was helping her just as much as she was helping him.
When Mack became ill with a terminal disease, grandma was there for him like never before. She loved him like her own, and for that, I can’t thank her enough.
When it came time for Mack to say his last goodbyes to us, I knew I needed to do something special for my grandmother. I immediately knew that I wanted something personal and sentimental and the first place I thought of was Dune. On their website I found the most beautiful gold cardinal necklace.
People say that a cardinal appearing in your yard is a visitor from heaven. Cardinals also happen to be my grandmother’s favorite bird. I knew this was exactly the beautiful piece she needed to wear with pride around her neck. To make it even more special, I personalized it with sand from our hometown, Plattsburgh, NY.
When she first opened her gift and saw this beautiful necklace, she cried. She knew Mack was watching over her. Now, every time she touches the necklace, she is filled with so much joy. It serves as a tangible reminder of Mack’s eternal presence in our lives.
– Jami Santor
