Diamonds Are Nothing But Overachieving Lumps of Coal

Two hundred kilometers beneath the earth’s surface, carbon atoms are exposed to extreme heat and pressure. A few million years later, the carbon becomes a diamond.

Diamonds are forever. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Diamonds are the gift of love.

Really?

I thought diamonds were just pressed carbon. Over achieving lumps of coal. Sparkly rocks.

A few years ago Ken and I celebrated our tenth anniversary. He offered to buy me a new diamond ring. I said no.

We took a family trip to the St. Louis zoo instead. Eric was not quite two. I can still see Eric's grin as he waved at the lions and giraffes. Now that was golden.

I know what you’re thinking. “Girl, you are crazy!"

I am crazy. I am crazy because I talk to me cats. I am crazy because I am afraid of haircuts. And I am crazy because when I look at diamonds all I see are shiny stones.

People tell me that diamonds are precious metals. People tell me that diamonds have tremendous value. People tell me that I should desire diamonds.

I don’t.

I’ve seen diamonds. Sure they sparkle. Sure they shine. But they are still just lumps of compressed carbon, the remains of prehistoric seaweed.

Diamonds are not a girl's best friend. A husband who bakes lasagna for your birthday is a girl's best friend. Diamonds are not forever. The feeling of holding your newborn baby in your arms is forever. Diamonds are not the gift of love. A child, holding your hand as you watch the giraffe at the zoo is a gift of love.

Diamonds don’t giggle when you tickle their tummies. Diamonds don’t give you a hug when you wake up in the morning. Diamonds don’t sit in your lap and sing “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.”

Diamonds won't come to visit you when you are in the hospital. Diamonds won't bring you chicken soup when you are sick. Diamonds won't tell you that they love you.

Three paper roses are arranged in a plastic cup that sites on top of my dresser. The word “Mom” is printed on the cup in red marker. The flowers and cup were a gift from my children last Mother’s Day.

My three paper roses and my plastic cup are more valuable than any diamond could ever be.