One of the wonderful things about my job is I am in contact with many lovely people & stories. Sometimes I never exchange more than a few emails, and sometimes it is strictly a business transaction and every now & then I get to hear stories. Momentarily being brought into a family, knowing the story behind what I am creating and the special meaning the jewelry will have.
This past Christmas one order sticks out as one of those great moments in my job. It was a phone order from a Grandma on the prairies who was getting her only grandson's fingerprint made into jewelry as his gift to his Aunt, his Mom and his Poppa. I had an instant connection with the woman on the other end, it was like I had known her for years. We came up with a gift for each person on her grandson's list and went to work.
I love making each piece of jewelry I am commissioned for, but for some reason knowing the meaning behind these pieces brought a warmth to me as I made them. Most of the time I will receive a lovely email from my customers after they receive their jewelry and every so often I get a phone call. This particular order, I received a phone call. Now I have to be totally honest, when you are an artist and you get a call you get nervous, did they like it.. was it what the expected.. all of your insecurities come up before you answer the call.
I was moved to tears when I answered, it was one of the best calls of my career. I listened intently as she re-in acted the Christmas exchange and how each person who received a fingerprint pendant or key chain teared up. And then she made me laugh, when she spoke of how she forgot to order one for herself and everyone teased her when they asked to see hers.
She may not know this, but I was in the Costco washroom with my son at the time of the call. I am sure people thought I was crazy, laughing, crying, barely speaking. That call made my day, no.. scratch that.. my week. Now, when I am feeling insecure will look at the photo of the jewelry I made for her and smile.
Thank you to all the incredible clients I have, thank you for the tears, the smiles, the laughs and the fun, and especially for letting me into your lives for but a moment.
Posts
