Early June, 1972

My Father's Ring

After my dad died and my sister and I were helping my mom sort through his things the best we could, I found his beautiful star sapphire ring in a tray of odds and ends on their dresser. I was surprised to see it there, and told my mother how much I'd admired the ring as a child. She said, well, Jack hadn't worn it for many years because of the arthritis in his fingers - if you'd asked him, I'm sure he would have given it to you. I put the ring on and there it stayed. And I thought about my father every time I looked at it.

When I told my son this anecdote - I think he was ten - I added, see, when you want something, try asking for it, because you never know. His response was, so, can I have the ring?

And I said, nice try. No.

Later, I told him that I would for sure pass the ring on to him, on some suitably epic occasion, like marriage or fatherhood. Or something.

John had a birthday this past Thursday, and we threw a party for him yesterday evening. And it occurred to me while I was at work that day, what am I waiting for? When will the perfect occasion be? And what if I never get the chance to do what I believe my father would have loved to do, to give the ring to my son while I was still alive and kicking?

So I did. That beautiful ring is now on a different McKenna's hand. And I couldn't be happier.

Berkeley February 1983

December 29, 1978 / January 2, 1979