My fondest recollections of my brother involve the way he was able to command a room. Standing at six-foot-three, his charisma was infectious. Only a year older, we would often dance to Motown tunes. Before he went to serve in Vietnam as a Marine, my parents bought him an engraved cross pendant with a gold chain. He carried it with him across the sea, but would suffer a terrible wound. He was transferred to a hospital in Maryland, and still he wrote us letters full of life and love.

When he passed away five months later, I recall every nurse sharing with my parents of my brother’s inspiring joy. The cross necklace became my father’s to wear and cherish. Unfortunately, one evening while leaving work, a thief ripped the chain from his neck and the cross fell to the ground. When my parents passed away, I felt compelled to restore this family heirloom.

Through Brillante Jeweler, I was able to find an elegant gold rope chain befitting the strength the cross represents. When I placed it around my neck for the first time, special moments with my big brother came flooding back. I could picture it bouncing up and down on his chest as we danced to Marvin Gaye’s “It Takes Two”. I could feel the rhythm in his steps and hear our laughter. It became more than a distant memory.