"When my mother became Worthy Matron of her Eastern Star Chapter, it was customary for her family to give her a present. We came up with the idea of a charm bracelet and there were sterling silver shoes for each grandchild with their name and birthdate engraved on the sole of the shoe. Because there were 26 grandchildren, we needed two bracelets. My sisters and brothers sent money for their kids to me and I had them engraved and placed on the bracelets. Marie had to pay the most since she had seven children.
"When it came time for the presentation, I was sitting next to my Aunt Heartie who was also a member of the Eastern Star. I stood up and said, "Mom, I have something for you" and walked from my seat to her place on the platform. Aunt Heartie was appalled. I should have said, "Worthy Matron" instead of "Mom" and should have walked along the side of the room and squared the corner instead of going in a direct line from my place to her. Now that I am a member of the Eastern Star, I know what she meant, but at the time it didn't seem wrong to me -- Mom forgave me.
"After Mom died, Ceola, Marie and I went through her jewelry boxes and gave the charms to each child, either directly or to their mother for distribution. Each of you who have your charm can be sure my mother really loved the charms and the children they represented. She was a great mother to us and a great grandmother too."

-- provided by Helen Lunblad (née Stimler)
SKI News, 5rd Edition, Winter 2000