The past is never far

I found my silver necklace with the 旅 (journey) symbol on it when I cleaned out my car this afternoon. The original I got at graduation from my parents was lost in Berlin, and I recall backtracking my steps downtown hoping it would show up, but it didn't. I was crushed and near tears over that. That necklace meant so much to me, especially since my parents picked it out and it resonated with me. I was sure it fell off when I ran to catch up with the group, as there was a picture of me wearing it unclasped draped over my neck right before I lost it. The chain itself is strong; the clasp is easily-knocked off. I need to strengthen it.

The one I found today was the one they got me as a replacement, and I thought it had fallen off AGAIN, though this time at the lab; it had been missing for a few months. I was again crushed, but silently hoped it would turn up. I searched my car, my room, every place I had been since I had last seen it. I didn't have the heart to tell my parents I had lost it AGAIN, but I am sure they noticed it wasn't around my neck anymore. No words were exchanged over it. And, lo and behold, though I had searched the floorboards of my car, it was in the compartment beneath the radio behind my leis from Senior Breakfast. It took me this long to find it. I have no idea how it got there. But God, it lifted my heart, as was direly needed. I've been aching over the past and happier days again lately, and something about having this necklace show up totally unexpected, right under my nose all along, held a great deal of significance for me.

If Jung was right and there are no coincidences, this is a happy find indeed. It's almost as if the courage my parents wanted to give me showed up when I most needed it, and reminded me of who I am. Or as if some force or influence were trying to encourage or comfort me. "Grounding" is the best word I can think of. I feel grounded again.