According to Wikipedia, “A 75th birthday or anniversary is commonly known as a Diamond Jubilee.
“How did I reach three-quarters of a
century old?” If I had been born in any other period of time, I would not have
lived to celebrate this time of my life. It’s been a long and at times difficult
journey to get this far. Health issues
plagued me most of my life culminating in a successful liver transplant in
1998. The medical technology of the 20th century and the generous
gift of a donor organ saved my life. Three have been health problems since
then, but nothing of that magnitude. You can read about my second chance at
life in my memoir, Born Three Times: A
New Life, A New Liver, A New Love.
Since this is my
diamond jubilee, I decided to research those precious stones. Diamonds are the
hardest substance on earth. They are
formed within the earth’s mantle and brought to the surface by deep source
volcanic eruptions. The impact of
asteroids and meteorites on the planet can also produce diamonds. Much of the
world’s diamond mining comes from Africa. South Africa and Angola are sources
of diamonds, but they are also mined in Canada, Russia, and Australia. The only
diamond mine in the US is found near Murfreesboro, Arkansas. Diamond mining can
be very labor intensive and environmentally harmful, leaving massive scars on
the earth’s surface.
“As you can imagine,
the journey a rough diamond undergoes from its violent formation process to
being mounted on an exquisite setting is long indeed and passes through many
different channels.” (Beyond
4Cs-The real insights to mining diamonds) "The round diamond is
the undisputed king of brilliant cuts. With 57 carefully placed facets, every
round diamond that is polished from a rough crystal has the potential to
becoming a jewelry masterpiece.” Carat, cut, and clarity determine the price of
each precious gem.
A Jubilee was
significant in Old Testament times.
During Jubilee years, it was mandated that lands be given a year’s rest
so that the earth could rejuvenate.
Healthier and better crops would grow in future plantings. Also during a Jubilee year, the slaves and
indentured servants were set free from their bondage and given a second chance
at life.
I see many parallels
to my life’s journey. Like the diamond, I have been cut and polished and been
given the opportunity to enjoy an abundant life here and eternal life after
death. After all, it is said that
“Diamonds are forever.” And like the
Israelite slaves, I’ve been given a second chance at life.
At our wedding Charles and I played the
song, “Grow Old Along with Me, the Best
is Yet to Be.”
That has proven to be true in both of our lives.
