I came in from a job in the Philippines to my cousin’s wedding in deep south Jackson, Mississippi. I met “him” on the dance floor of the wedding. He was the best friend of my cousin’s new husband, so I knew he was good stock. He literally swept me off my feet with his southern charm, his dazzling smile, his angel of a mother, and Ole Miss football games (Eli Manning’s last season there). I even moved to Jackson after football season, at his request, to see if we were meant to be…

Well, that’s when the wheels fell off. Our cultures clashed and his eyes wandered, on Valentine’s Day week OF ALL WEEKS OF THE YEAR! He denied, denied, denied. But, I knew knew knew. I’m not sure why we held it together- actually I know why he did- to keep up appearances that meant the world to him. Given, he was the best dressed and most well-mannered guy, though he apparently struggled in the fidelity department. I loved him and hated him equally.

Ultimately I decided that I had to go back to L.A. and the relationship was OVER. On the day I left, he gave me the only gift he ever gave me: a simple silver and gold David Yurman bracelet. It just made me want to scream for both joy and anger. Why give me something so awesome at the end?! He said he didn’t want me to forget him and Mississippi.

Thankfully, I have moved on but kept the bracelet. Though I did end up forgetting “him,” the bracelet has always reminded me of Mississippi. Little did I know that I would marry my childhood friend, ALSO FROM Mississippi, but the BEST southern gentleman a girl could ever ever wish for… it just took me 25 years (and too many bad boyfriends) to realize he was the ONE. Even better, this Christmas, my husband surprised me with a new David Yurman bracelet with diamonds and sapphires. My husband is seriously the best and I’m so thankful I got him last. :)