My mother has been gone for several years, but her Presence was unmistakable during this particular Mother’s Day weekend in 2024.
The BC Rock & Gem Show was held at the Heritage Barn in Chilliwack. My friend and I attended, each with a clear idea of what we wanted and a budget in mind. My quest was to find the perfect moonstone pendant set in a gold frame.
As we entered the vast building, I was struck by the buzz of excitement, the dazzling array of jewelry, and the gems artfully displayed under lights that revealed their hidden colors. This was going to be fun.
We paused at the first booth, where I was surprised to find two moonstone pendants, each intricately hand-wrapped in gold wire. One caught my eye immediately, but I walked away, convinced I should explore further to ensure no better moonstone awaited in the sea of tempting tables.
We visited every booth, captivated by the stunning offerings. As we browsed, I shared with my friend that my mother had been instrumental in founding the first Surrey Rock and Gem Show.
I reminisced about how I helped set up tables under Mom’s exacting standards. As we moved from table to table, I reflected on how impressed Mom would be with the scale of this event. A warm pride swelled in me.
Back to the gem show: after two and a half hours of searching, exhausted, I hadn’t found another moonstone pendant beyond the two I’d seen at the first booth. I knew the one that initially caught my eye was meant for me. Hurrying back, I was relieved to find it still there.
I purchased it, and the seller handed me her card, inviting me to explore her other pieces. Her name was Cora. I turned to my friend and said, “My dad called my mom Cora—short for Corrie, actually Cornelia.”
At home, I visited Cora’s website and was stunned. There, scripted as necklaces, were both my name, Shirley, and Cora’s name.
I smiled. “Okay, Mom, I see you.”
In Reflection:
The Mother’s Day gift I gave myself became so much more. I wore the moonstone pendant almost daily last summer, and each time, I marveled at its beauty and felt a warm connection—an inner smile. It was more than a link to Mom; it was a reminder of a guiding force that continues to gift me small moments of awe.
I am truly blessed. 🥰
Wait! There is more! This just happened! As a last minute decision I decided a picture of the gem show would perhaps enhance this blog story. Actually posting my writing on my barely restored defunct blog site was a last minute decision.
I snapped screenshots from a video on the bclapidary.com website. My intent was to give you, the reader, an idea of the size and precision involved in setting up the event.
As I edited the screen shots and enlarged them I encountered an “I can’t believe this” …..moment!
If you look closely at the table in the forefront you can see my friend ( the red/brown haired person on right) and I (the one with the blurred grey thatch of hair lol on the left) admiring the two beautiful moonstones.
The video that I snapped the screenshots from was a compilation of edited clips taken over the week of last year's gem show.
What can I say other than….
Thank you for another G(o)od, G(awe)d given moment.
Wishing you all an “awe-some” Mother’s Day.
In Peace & Grace
Shirley Anne
Happy Mother’s Day Mom 😘
