A Letter To Leanna
By Sue Andrews, Inland Empire Branch
The day I met Leanna was a day I’ll never forget. Not because of the day of the week, or the occasion or even the time of year. I do not remember any of those but I know it was about ten years ago that our relationship started. I know this because it was days after I had I retired from public education. A friend at my school had on a new pair of earrings one day. I remarked how beautiful they were. They were plain diamond studs, but so sparkly. I remembered telling her I would be afraid of losing such expensive things. She told me I needed to go see Leanna. If I went to her, that lady would guarantee my earrings would never fall off because they screw on.
Soon after I remembered the story about Leanna and her beautiful things at the Majestic Jewelry Store. I knew where the Upland Jewelry Mart was but had never gone inside. Leanna was easy to find because she owned the second showcase on the right after you entered the store. From the minute I introduced myself, Leanna gave me that loving smile that felt like a hug and gave me a warm welcome with a two-handed grip. I never knew that meeting a salesperson in a jewelry store would turn into a ten-year friendship. But I felt something special from the very start. For the next ten years, I never purchased another piece of jewelry (unless it was costume) anywhere else. Leanna had quality diamonds and gemstones with beautiful selections of settings for bracelets, necklaces and rings. I have purchased all of the above myself or my husband has for me.
After I bought those diamond earrings that screwed on, I never took them off — for years. That was until my husband bought me some different earrings from Leanna for my birthday and anniversary.
Over the years, my husband got to know Leanna, too. She was the only person from whom we would buy. I say that because my husband and I were a team. When a special occasion would come my way, my husband would send me to Leanna. I would pick out a selection of things, and she would help me prepare it ahead of time. When my husband would arrive a week later, Leanna would do her “magic,” and show him the items I had selected plus other things she thought I might like. Between her and my husband, whatever piece of jewelry was selected always made me happy. Sometimes they were the exact item, sometimes they were bigger, and sometimes the “surprise” was something totally different than what I had expected.
My relationship with Leanna was like no other. Whenever we met, it was like picking up from where we had left our conversation the last time. Almost every piece of jewelry I own has either been inherited or come from Leanna’s store. I will never forget her.
A quote comes to mind whenever I will think of my friend. It’s from Maya Angleou, and I am partially paraphrasing it here: “…people will forget what you have said. They will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This is my letter to Leanna. She made me feel wonderful. She made feel beautiful (with the many beautiful things she helped me and my husband purchase) and she made me feel lucky (to be married to my thoughtful husband.) She always told me the latter and I told her I knew that I was.
Leanna passed away on September 23, 2020. May she rest in peace. My love for her will endure every time I wear one of her pieces. She was as special lady I’ll never forget.
“A Letter to Leanna” first appeared in the December 2020
Fresh Ink, newsletter of the Inland Empire Branch.