Taking Off My Wedding Ring

Today, I took off my wedding rings.
Not by choice but by necessity.
And I don't like it.
My hand feels naked.
Like a vital piece is missing.

I knew that the start of year 3 would be the beginning of my self-discovery.  But I didn't plan to take off my wedding set. But my travel to Brazil necessitated that decision.  I was advised to not wear any jewelry I didn't want lost or stolen.  So my wedding ring is safe at home.  And my finger is empty.  My heart is not sure how to feel about that.

Yes, I know it is temporary.  Only 2 weeks.  But it still is an odd feeling.  A rush of emotions I did not expect.  Our 16th wedding anniversary is Friday.  And my hand will be naked as I celebrate our special day in a foreign country.  I knew one day I would take off my wedding set.  Probably move it to my right hand.  But I hadn't planned to do it yet.  Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.  Maybe my love is trying to give me a gentle push.  Or maybe it's just simply because of my travel plans.

But I know my love is not contingent on a ring.  My heart will always love Jared.  Whether I am wearing his ring or not.  My soul will always be attached to his.  Whether my finger has a ring on it or not.  He will always be a part of my life.  I don't need a ring to prove it. But it sure seems weird for my finger to be empty after all these years.

Today, I took off my wedding rings.
Not by choice but by necessity.
And I don't like it.
My hand feels naked.
I will let you know how I feel in 2 weeks.