We were originally going to marry the next spring but chose December 20th because my mother was getting out of control with her planned spending. The only way to really control her was give her less time. We had to do it as soon as possible before she did half of what she was planning! They had no money, NONE. My honey had only a little, working at the local shipyard as an apprentice.
I did it as cheaply as possible – before printers, I wrote every invitation out, filling out blanks, etc. I made my own cake with my mother’s help, my mother made my wedding gown, I used dried flowers because they very cheap and we got married in front of my sister’s fire place on the 20th of December, 1975. I was leaving two retired, sick parents behind me and a sister that was never quite right in the head.
I didn’t want a fancy wedding. I wanted a marriage with the best and kindest man in the universe – the same one watching something or other, in his study, right this moment.
I never wanted a diamond ring, it would have never meant anything to me. I think diamonds rather cold jewels, Love isn’t cold, it is hot as fire, a burning in the soul, that never ends.

I speak as a woman who sold fine jewelry as a young woman. As a jewelry maker I like amethyst and garnets or the natural browns of some stones – aventurine is a wonderful stone, with its lovely shades of green. If I had the money I wouldn’t mind having a sapphire or two in a ring but I’ve never quite been able to afford such luxuries.
Cyndi – on this blessed night, may the Hanukkah candles burn bright for you and your family. May the oil never end its flow, may the light of love never go out! Thank you for your kind presence here on the net.