Nadine watched her son from the corner of her eye. She, being a single mom, often found herself wistfully observing him as he stroked expensive sneakers or examined the newest video game console.

But this time it was different. Jethro, over the span of more than a year, had returned often to admire a Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet. She knew it was the same bracelet that he had appreciated with his dad before the seizures had mysteriously set in and then taken Richard away. And she had saved bits of cash whenever possible in hopes of getting it for him—cash she now needed for repairs to their car.

As they walked to the car, Jethro dragged his feet. The high-pitched resonance echoed throughout the garage. Nadine was relieved when it came time to enter their vehicle and finally head home.

The time passed in silence. Once inside their house, Jethro disappeared into his room. Nadine bit her lip and swallowed the pain; she had to remain strong.

Thoughts of the Sunday sermon began to race through her mind as she prepared their meal. The pastor had spoken on joy: one must embrace conviction for the healing that will lead to joy. Only conviction will lead to forgiveness that can overcome hurts and conquer the pride that fuels our desire for image. Nadine at last let one silent tear slip down her cheek. God did understand.

The next day, Nadine went to return her loaner and pick up their car. She was so excited when she heard that the repair was the result of a recall and that there would be no charge. Jethro’s birthday would be celebrated after all!She quickly drove back to the mall and purchased the bracelet. She had it wrapped, as well.

Finally the day came. Nadine set the package in the center of the table, placing a card on top. She then made the homemade blueberry pancakes that her son and husband loved so well. She wanted the day to be perfect—as flawless as it could be without Richard.

Jethro’s eyes grew wide as he pulled the bracelet from the box. He hadn’t realized his mom had noticed. He jumped up from the table and hugged her, putting the bracelet on as he did. His eyes danced with a happiness she’d not seen in a while. The pancakes were forgotten as he raced out of the house to show his best friends.

Nadine cleaned up, placing the pancakes into a freezer bag. She then walked out back, entering the flower garden that she and Richard had planted so many years before. She bent to smell the red roses and then sat down to read her Bible.

Days became months. One day Nadine noticed that her son no longer wore the bracelet. She didn’t mention it to him and hoped that he would volunteer what he carried in his heart.

When his grandmother called to say that she planned to visit, Nadine asked if it would be okay for a mother to clean a son’s room. It had always been standard practice for him to give up his bed for the couch. Jethro readily answered that it was better her than him and headed out the door. As Nadine put clean clothes into the dresser, she found the bracelet. It had yellowed with tarnish and even sported a few blackened areas. Is this why her son had stopped wearing it? No. Silver, if worn, is far less likely to discolor. It became tarnished from lack of use.

She took the bracelet with her to the kitchen and began to gently polish it. Once finished, she enfolded it in Saran Wrap and returned it to the drawer.

That night, Jethro came into the kitchen, offering to help with the meal. Nadine had planned to serve something simple. But sensing that Jethro needed an excuse to talk, she decided they’d make scalloped potatoes. Together they sat at the table, peeling and slicing.

Suddenly, Jethro set the bracelet on the table and began to talk. “Mom, I’m like this bracelet,” he began. He looked up to be sure that he had his mother’s attention, and then continued. “When Dad died, I began to tarnish. I, um, only yellowed at first, but then, I began to blacken. And I stopped caring. I became selfish but justified it by convincing myself that if I just had the bracelet then it would seem Dad were alive again. Instead, it only emphasized how dead I’d become.” He paused. “Thank you for cleaning my bracelet. Now I know I’ll have the strength to go on. Jesus is so much more than silver polish.” Jethro pulled away the plastic and placed the bracelet on his wrist. “Can we have it inscribed?”

Nadine smiled at her son. “Of course we can. What do you want it to say?” Jethro handed her a piece of paper: The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times (Psalm 12:6). And Nadine knew then that they would make it; they would learn to move beyond mere existence. They would learn to live once again.