around my neck

I held my necklace in my hands. It couldn’t have been that expensive. It looks to be steel, or some other silver metal. There is no hook in the back, there is just enough space to fit the necklace over my head to my neck. At the end of the necklace, there is a small cross, very intricately designed. My brother gave me the necklace years ago. It was a gift for no particular occasion, just a brotherly love.

Holding it in my hands brings two immediate thoughts to my mind. First, is my faith. It is a constant reminder of what it is I live by, which, in my world, is quite necessary. It is a reminder that there are things I can believe in and agree with, and there are other things that I feel I must make my own decisions on. Secondly, I do think about my brother.

I realized recently how uncomfortable I get if I happen to forget to put on my cross. I feel as if Jesus has suddenly left the building, and I am susceptible to bad luck. It’s strange how, as people, we attach such strong emotions to the objects around us.