The Simple Gold Bracelet
When I was young, the most interesting relative I knew was my mother’s sister, Almira. She was truly a fascinating person. She was a missionary nurse who traveled the world. During her visits back home to Cambridge, MN, she would share the most interesting stories, many very funny and many heart wrenching!
Her primary missionary location was the city Jorhat, Assam which is located several hundred miles into the mountains of India. Her time in India started during WW II. For her to travel from the USA to India, she was hidden in the gunnels of military ships hauling troops and cargo from the USA to the Far East. Her travels were a continuous adventure.
However, this story is about the beautiful simple gold bracelet that she wore. Almira’s bracelet always caught my eye. She told me, “Once it was placed on my wrist I’ve never taken it off.” Through the years, as a small girl, this bracelet truly captured my fancy. And especially so, after I heard the story of the bracelet.
The Story of the Bracelet
Almira and my mother were from a family of nine children, seven girls and two boys. I was only one of many nephews and nieces. One day at a family gathering, Almira announced she was giving away most of her precious belongings. Many of the siblings and relatives requested items. None however, had mentioned the gold bracelet. Once home, my mother asked me what I had requested as a keepsake. I told her I had not requested anything. She wondered what item would best remind me of Almira. I responded, “Her tiny gold bracelet. It’s so simple but yet so elegant.
My mother said, “Diane, you know you are Almira’s favorite niece. I am sure that she would like to know of your passion for that bracelet.”
Mother mentioned my interest in the bracelet to Almira. Within a few days she contacted me, promising me the gold bracelet. However, she was not yet ready to give it up so I would have to wait.
The Presentation of Bracelet
Years later on a summer day the Eastlund clan of the eight remaining kids, most of whom were in their 80’s, decided to have a gathering at Green Lake. My mother asked if I would drive her, along with Almira, the two hours or so and join them for the day with the family. I was delighted to accompany my mom and Almira to this special time together. That evening, we were all sitting around talking. Almira said, “Diane, now is the time I would like you to have my bracelet.” She took it off and gave it to me. I placed it on my wrist and symbolic of Almira, have never taken it off.
Hidden Surprise
Almira went on to describe the origin of the bracelet. While she was in Assam, she had serious dental issues which required many of her of teeth to be extracted and replaced with implants. Her extracted teeth ironically had gold inlays. She realized the gold was valuable. Almira had a local jeweler create the bracelet for her.
Today, with the bracelet on my left wrist I shall always remember the uniqueness and spirit of this lady that I loved so much and still do! Praise the Lord!
Diane was born in Cambridge, MN, one of five siblings of Oscar and Lenore Carlson. The Carlson family was one of the many Swedish families that settled in Cambridge. Diane attended Bethel University and the University of Minnesota Duluth where she obtained her degree in Elementary Education. She taught first and second grade in Roseville and Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan, MN. Diane currently lives in the Twin Cities with her husband David Appelhof. They joyfully celebrate their blended family of three sons and a daughter, 12 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.© 2021 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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