The Bracelet
Even on the hardest days, Jody would glance at her wrist and remember the truth etched into that simple bracelet: she was loved.
Years ago, while returning from a business trip, I stopped at an airport store and bought a bracelet for Jody. It wasn’t expensive or elaborate, just a simple piece of jewelry with one word inscribed on it:
“Loved.”
When I saw it, something about it struck me deeply, and I started to cry. I knew I had to get it for her.
When I gave it to Jody, I asked her to wear it with the word facing inward, so she could glance down at it and always be reminded that she was loved.
It quickly became her favorite bracelet. She wore it every day, always with the word “loved” facing her. She told me that on tough days, when things felt hard or overwhelming, she’d look down at her wrist and remember: she was loved.
That small, simple reminder became a powerful tool for her, grounding her in love even during difficult moments. And I think it’s something we could all use more of—remembering that we are loved, too.
Today is Easter Sunday—a day that reminds us of the most profound act of love the world has ever known. Since that first Easter, we never have to doubt our worth or wonder if we are loved. His resurrection is the ultimate reminder that love conquers all, even death.
When we truly understand that we are loved, it changes how we love others. It opens our hearts to forgiveness and compassion, allowing us to act with kindness and grace. And in a world that could use more of that, it feels like a gift we can share with everyone we encounter.
So, always remember: you are loved.
And sweetheart, I’ll cherish and care for this bracelet for the rest of my days.
Love you all
About Paul
If you've navigated the complexities of love, loss, or life's unpredictable twists and turns, this blog is for you. Paul, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2022 and lost his beloved Jody in 2024, is also a father, new grandfather and a speaker/writer. Paul writes to make sense of the world around him, sharing his personal journey through grief, Parkinson’s, and life's challenges. With a mix of lightheartedness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering authenticity, Paul offers a relatable and heartfelt perspective on the human experience. His writing is often described as warm, genuine and deeply moving.