With This Ring

Today i proctored a room full of married woman. Not one was wearing a wedding ring. This surprised me a little so i asked about it. These woman only wear their rings for Shabbos or festive occasions, lest they be lost, stolen, or ruined (many work in preschools by day). I certainly see the validity in this position.

I do things differently. i  make a point to wear my rings. proudly. EVERY day. Here's why:

It wasn't always this way. sometimes i'd forget, or i couldn't be bothered. Sometimes the rings irritated my fingers, sometimes their giver, annoyed me.

Several years ago i had an 'AHA' moment. i realized that in order for my marriage to thrive i needed to roll up my sleeves and do some work ( and not just  rely on the goodwill of my generous hardworking  husband).

When i wear my rings i remember the promises that these rings represent.
I think about the amazing man that gave me these rings, the man that chose ME (me!?!)
I remember my most important role: the one that needs the most work but often gets the least attention.
When i mess up, my rings remind me what im working for. i dust myself off and keep on going.
When we pass each other for days and weeks on end in a blur of doctors appointments and hospitalizations, the rings remind me of all our happy memories and our hopes for the future.
When im stressed or rushed or angry, i think about all of the qualities that i saw in him, how he still has every single one, and how lucky i am to have him.