The Necklace

Summary

An elderly woman, Mrs. Anthony, is distraught over the loss of her cherished family heirloom necklace, which is found by her attendant, Silva, after a thorough search.

Abstract

Mrs. Anthony, an elderly woman with a deep connection to her homeland, awakens to find her precious necklace missing. This necklace, a family heirloom with a protective engraving from her grandmother, holds immense sentimental value. Her attendant, Silva, consoles her and initiates a search, recalling that a different attendant had removed the necklace the previous day and placed it in a shoe box for safekeeping. Upon its recovery, the necklace restores Mrs. Anthony's spirits, reaffirming the love and protection it symbolizes. The day ends with Silva and Mrs. Anthony sharing a moment of affection, reinforcing their bond.

Opinions

Mrs. Anthony places a profound emotional value on the necklace, seeing it as a tangible link to her family's love and protection.
Silva demonstrates genuine care and concern for Mrs. Anthony's well-being, going to great lengths to find the lost necklace.
The narrative suggests that objects can hold significant spiritual and emotional importance, transcending their material worth.
The story underscores the importance of attentive caregiving and the positive impact it can have on the elderly, particularly in maintaining their emotional health.

The Necklace

Mrs. Anthony awoke from another night of sleep. She moved slowly from one side to another to find a comfortable resting place for her battered body. The room she occupied contained all her life possessions. It had been many years since her last visit to the old country of her birth. Her heart longed for another opportunity to place her feet in the grass and dirt of that place.

The silence of the room was broken with the opening of the door to her room. Silva her attendant entered greeting Mrs. Anthony with a smile asking her how did she sleep last night? She responded as well as can be expected. Silva began the daily routine helping her get ready for the day.

Silva asked Mrs. Anthony if she was ready for the day? There was no response when Silva turned around she heard the loudest cry from Mrs. Anthony tears flowing down her cheeks. Silva asked what is the matter? Still no response only more tears. Mrs. Anthony asked for a mirror. The mirror revealed the panic in her voice. The necklace she wore around her neck was not there. The necklace was not made of gold or silver. It was worth much more to her. The necklace was given to her mother by her grandmother many years ago. The necklace has a special engraving from the old country. Mrs. Anthony said I know the words by heart. These are the words.

“As you wear this necklace you are protected by all who have come before you. Wear this always and our love and spirit will always be in your heart”

Silva now called for help to calm Mrs. Anthony. Silva ensured her the necklace would be found. The search began the bed being thoroughly inspected nothing found. The floor and dressing table nothing found. The search continued into the day. Silva then remembered something very important she was not Mrs. Anthony’s attendant yesterday. Silva called the attendant who solved the mystery of the necklace. The new attendant removed her necklace to give her a bath. She placed the necklace a small shoe box in the room.

The day turned into night Silva entered Mrs. Anthony’s room she noticed the glow from her eyes was long gone from the stress of the day. Silva moved closer to her bed opening her hand placing the necklace around her neck. The touch of the necklace returned new life into her battered body again. Silva finished preparing Mrs. Anthony for another nights sleep. They finished the day the way they began with a kiss and love for each other.

Silva walked towards the door and smiled as she looked back seeing her hands touching the necklace. Silva could hear the faint voice of Mrs. Anthony repeating the words engraved in the necklace.

“ As you wear this necklace you are protected by all who have come before you. Wear this always and our love and spirit will always be in your heart”