Just thought I'd drop a note to see how you are doing.  The dust has settled and we are back to the regular grind.  All we have left is a whack of photo's and these two beautiful rings.  You had mentioned about testimonials or any inspiration we had concerning the your love crest rings.

Well...I have to say...we thought long and hard about what and where to buy.  We wanted something original but also functional...especially in our line of work.  Cathy is a first nation police officer and everday faces challenges like alcoholism, assaults, thefts, B&E's etc...Of course she sees alot of the negative side of reserve life but she is strong and works extremely hard at her job.  She is seen as a leader and role model by the communities that she serves.  Cathy is a runner and has won several awards at major events including a gold medal at the World Police and Fire Games in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Last year she competed in IRONMAN CANADA and completed the race in just over 14 hrs.  Cathy inspires people with her energy and enthusiasm for life.   She treats life as an adventure and experiences it.  So much that I signed up for IRONMAN CANADA this year...2003.  It is held in Penticton B.C. in August each year.

When I first started my working career as a teacher, my first posting was a small town called Armstrong, Ontario.  Armstrong was about 400 people and consisted of about 90 percent first nation people.  The Whitesand Band and Gull Bay sent all their youth to our school.  I spent two years there as a grade 10 teacher.  I started with about 25 students...my first year.  I had kids and their parents in the same class.  I had a number of highs and lows throughout my time there, but in a nutshell I have to say they taught more to me than I could have ever taught them.  I have a hundred stories to tell.....but one sticks in my mind.  My class consisted of a group of children operating at about a grade one level.  They were labelled academically challenged by the staff and considered trouble makers by the community.  During Christmas 1993 I entered my class in the local school christmas play.  The staff thought I was crazy..."these kids can't do this??"  They don't have the skills ....Well....to make a long story short...we wrote a play (a spoof on the teachers in the school) we practiced it weekly ....but as you can imagine...some kids didn't show up to school on a regular basis....which made it hard to practice.  A few weeks before the Christmas Concert....we had to give a confirmed "yes" that we would be participating.  I held a dress rehearsal...some people never showed up and those that did, did not bring any props.  I was very disapointed.  So much so....that the following day I approached an elder in the community for advice.  We discussed the frustration I had with my students and how to deal with it.   The next day we held a sacred circle at the school and luckily all the students showed up.  I poured my heart out and told the kids exactely what I thought.  The fact that I had given them my heart and soul...helping them at home...feeding them at school (out of my own pocket)etc...It was very emotional and couldn't believe what I was hearing.  The next day we had a dress rehearsal...everyone showed up and everyone brought their props...it was great.  The big day came and we were the last act.  The whole community was in attendance....we pulled it off without a hitch.  We brought the house down...The kids were great and I have never seen people laugh so hard.  After the show and the kids had their bow....the curtain closed and I turned and saw some of the kids actually crying.  I asked what was wrong ..and they said that they had never completed something before.  They had never had a teacher see them thru to the end...usually they quit half way.  It made me feel great.  I had quite a relationship with my students.  We were the talk of the town for weeks....I was very proud.  I learned alot by this experience.  When I made the tough decision to leave the community my students presented me with an "eagle feather" the one they used at drumming ceremonies.  I was very honoured.

My point is that both Cathy and I have had experiences with the native culture that have changed our lives and who we are.  We have developed a respect for the native culture and that has played a part in the choice of your beautiful love crest ring set.  Also the fact that we found your web site and you had some great pictures.  We chose the character the eagle because Cathy is strong and possesses natural leadership abilities.  She soars above the rest and is independant. She is very loyal to her family and possesses an "ironspirit".  The wolf represents me, the story teller or as I plainly put it..the "bullshitter" .  I like to tell stories..usually police related...but it is how I communicate.  I too have strong family ties as my brother is also a police officer.

I proposed to Cathy one week before her father died of cancer.  He was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer and was given two weeks to live.  He requested to go home and spend his last few days there.  I had thought about it very hard and decided to propose to Cathy in front of her dad and mom.  He was a very good man ....full of laughter and enthusiasm.  Once I got up my nerve, I had Cathy (who never left her dad's side) and her mother all in his bedroom.  I brought in a dozen roses and went down on one knee.  It was very emotional and we all shed a tear.  I told her dad that if I had one wish, I would wish that he could be there to walk her down the isle.  He responded with, "don't worry mike....I'll be there...I'll give you sign!"  I was glad to be able to share this with him.  I thought it may help to give him some closure and a feeling of security. He died...on July 11th...ironically his 28th wedding anniversary.   So as you can see....these rings were the termination of a long, emotional, spiritual journey for Cathy and I.  We admire them everyday....in fact at dinner tonight....someone actually asked to see Cathy's ring.  We are getting used to that.

I realize that I have been wordy in this ...but ...there is so much to say.

Cheers...
Mike

Bill...

...we would be honoured to be a part of your line...you wouldn't believe the compliments we have gotten about your rings...someone even picked us out of a line of people getting onto the ship as newlyweds because our rings were so shiny....isn't that crazy?  Thanks again....

Mike