At ALEX AND ANI, we often receive letters from fans expressing their gratitude for creating meaningful, symbolic products. Each one is truly moving and it’s an honor to touch so many lives.
One such fan, Lisa Salyers, recently shared her inspiring story with us. After losing her grandmother, Grace, she longed for a sign – something to let her know she’s alright. One day, while walking to her car, she received the validation she needed.
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I wanted to take some time before I write this because when I do, it means I have to accept the reality and truth. The world can seem so cruel at times and we struggle to understand the loss of someone when it happens, especially those that are loved by so many – the one-of-a-kind human beings that you know you will never meet again in your lifetime. My grandma, Grace Richards, recently passed away and all I kept saying is, “She is an angel here on Earth.” I wasn’t ready to accept the fact that I’d never see her or hear her voice again.
Since the moment I became her granddaughter at a young age, I knew there was something angelic about her. She welcomed each and every person with open arms, never complained about a thing, never spoke negatively of anyone, and made sure that nobody went hungry on her watch. She was truly a giver and never expected anything in return. I will miss her sweet voice, the way she held your arms when speaking to you, saying, “love you back,” when I told her I loved her, her style and grace – just grandma. Her legacy will forever be unmatched, that I’m sure.
While walking to my car yesterday, I stopped to look at something on the sidewalk and there appeared a dragonfly. I had to take a picture – how many do you see in cold weather?! For some, it’s cardinals, but for me, it’s always been dragonflies. When I looked up the meaning of the ALEX AND ANI Dragonfly Charm Bangle, guess what the first word was? “Grace.” That was all the confirmation I needed. Love you, grandma.