Dad’s Prized Possession

The Hamilton — a gift from mom to dad.

by Greg Hague

Dad wore it for most of his life. Hamilton was the brand inscribed on the face. Piaget, Rolex…many cost more.

The Hamilton. Mom to Dad. Dad to me. Me to Jason last Christmas.

But The Hamilton was priceless to Dad. It was Mom on his arm, Mom at his side. The Hamilton had a black leather band, a pearl face and a bezel of platinum. Mom had the jeweler set small diamonds at 3, 12 and 9.

A small hand in a cross, centered below, counted the seconds. The Hamilton was kept in Dad’s top bureau drawer. It had a place of its own. It always lay flat, perfectly straight, with the band pointing north. The Hamilton was positioned an inch from the left side of the drawer. Dad’s money clip sat angled, just to the right…also a gift from Mom.  

The Hamilton taught me something about Dad, and lots about life.

Everything meant everything to Dad. He worked so hard to get what he had.

His home. His car. His bike. That red cashmere jacket he saved up to buy. Each Countess Mara tie, and the silver clip that held them in place. Dad really appreciated what he had in life.

When he made lots, he rarely bought more.

When I first made lots, I often bought more. I had forgotten.

The Hamilton. Love what you have. Money is freedom. It’s not about different. It’s not about more.