The Ring

I know to some this might seem silly but this was one of the harder things I have done in a while. Both cutting off my toe ring after 32 years and posting pictures of my ugly feet. Anyone who knows me knows I have a toe ring. I have worn one for over 33 years now. Long before they were the “in” thing to do. I have not had this toe ring off in well over 25 years. I have even had two foot surgeries where the doctor sterilized it along with my foot and then taped it down to ground it. He figured that it would be a good indicator of swelling. If the ring got too tight I needed to get my foot up. We tried to get it off (without cutting it) for one of the surgeries which ended up with my brother William and Sister Rose laughing so hard they couldn’t stand up any longer…but that a story for another day.

Today it is about “The Ring”. Glenn always teases me that it was a symbol of my rebellious side and I was finally growing up and letting it go. I swam competitive in my younger days and you could not wear jewelry during competitions. If you are found wearing jewelry on the starting block you’re disqualified but when you’re on the starting block your arms are down and the officials can’t really see a toe ring. Hence the beginning of me wearing a toe ring. I wore one for years. Took it off for CIF finals (just couldn’t risk that….rebellion goes only so far) but other than that it was a constant for me. I actually like it. Even with all my foot issues it never bothered me.

Well lately that has changed. My toe was staring to bother me. Over the years with my toe getting fatter and my joints getting older it just didn’t bend the same with the ring. I was having some issues and I knew sadly in my heart of hearts that “The Ring” had to come off. I waited to say anything hoping that I was wrong. Finally I mentioned to Glenn that I needed him to think about a way to cut my toe ring off (preferably with cutting my toe). I figured he would do like he often does and work it over in his mind for a few days and come up with a game plan and by then I would be ready. “I’ve got some metal snips that should work great to cut that off. Let me go grab them.” WHAT…now…gulp…fine. It was amazingly fast and I can say he made a clean cut, no blood. It was done. It was probably better this way as it didn't give me time tochange my mind.

I know the ring is not my identity, but a part of me wonders…will I feel different? Is what little I had left of my rebellious streak gone? Will anyone even notice? Was it the right thing to do? Am I finally a grown up or just an old lady? Only time will tell but for now the toe already seems to feel better. I think I can hear it softly saying…. “WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG!” (toes really don’t know how to talk softly you know)