Birthday bee

A few weeks ago, I shared a little preview in Beckham's birthday post about my pretty little bee necklace.

Well, today is my 31st birthday and the perfect occasion to share this cool story.

On September 11, 1979, as my poor mother endured the Worst Labor and Delivery of All Time (or so I'm told), my grandmother was on a trip in California, brokenhearted to miss the birth of her first grandchild. While there, she purchased a special gift to save for my 16th birthday.

~fast forward 16 years~

On September 11, 1995, I was given a beautiful gold bee pendant covered in 16 tiny diamonds, and my grandmother shared the story of missing my birth and buying this special bee. I was thrilled that it was as old as I was, and especially to have my very own real diamonds!

~today~

This necklace is one of my favorite things! I LOVE that it's actually vintage! But I don't love that that makes me "vintage"....

I'm wearing it today as I celebrate with my family. But like all my birthdays post 9-11, there is an undercurrent of sadness as we remember that day. I remember it like it was yesterday. Today I am praying for the victims and their families, for hope and safety and peace.