She has a gift
Some of the most meaningful jewelry begins with someone wanting to express something that's difficult to put into words.
When Hensley reached out about creating a special gift for her dear friend and colleague, Courtney, she already had a beautiful idea in mind.
Courtney was preparing to leave Ochsner and return to LSU, where she would be teaching and mentoring future speech-language pathologists.
Hensley wanted to honor that transition, but even more, she wanted to celebrate the extraordinary influence Courtney had had on the people around her.
Her idea was a shepherd's crook.
She described Courtney as “returning to her flock,” continuing the work of guiding, protecting, encouraging, and caring for others.
It was such a thoughtful way to recognize the kind of leader and friend Courtney had been.
A Meaningful Design
Hensley sent me a simple bracelet sketch to help communicate what she had in mind.
I loved the symbolism, and I could immediately imagine how beautifully the idea could translate into a bracelet suited to Courtney's classic, minimalist style.
I began exploring the possibilities and sketched a couple of designs of my own, including one with a small gold sphere.
Hensley immediately loved the mixed metals and chose the pairing of smooth gold with hammered sterling silver.
“Ooh I love the top one with the gold ball! I hadn't even thought about mixed metals but that would be so her!”
She also suggested that the gold sphere might represent Courtney's center or her flock—the people she had guided and cared for.
I loved that the symbolism could remain personal rather than having one fixed explanation.
The finished bracelet was understated, with subtle hammered texture in the sterling silver and a smooth gold accent nestled into the shepherd's crook.
A Friendship Close to My Heart
What made this commission particularly meaningful to me was that Courtney wasn't simply someone I was creating a gift for.
She's been one of my dearest friends for nearly four decades.
We met at LSU when I was 19 and she was 18. I was her dorm resident assistant, and our rooms were next door to one another.
A friendship began that has been one of the great blessings of my life.
Courtney has a remarkable ability to understand people and connect with them. She seems to recognize what someone needs, whether that's encouragement, reassurance, or simply a friend who will listen.
She's one of those people about whom so many others (including me 💕) can sincerely say, “She's my best friend.”
And about 35 years ago, Courtney and my brother fell in love, making her not only my best friend but also my sister-in-law.
So when Hensley described the qualities she wanted this bracelet to honor, I knew exactly what she meant.
I have experienced those same qualities in Courtney throughout our friendship.
The Meaning Behind the Gift
When Hensley and her colleagues presented Courtney with the bracelet, they included a heartfelt letter explaining its symbolism.
Drawing upon Ezekiel 34:12 and Psalm 23:4, they described Courtney as someone who had helped protect, guide, mentor, and encourage the people around her.
They spoke of the confidence Courtney had helped others develop, the professional growth she'd encouraged, and the strong team she'd helped build.
I found that especially meaningful.
They weren't simply recognizing what Courtney had accomplished in her career. They were celebrating the way she had cared for people along the way.
And I loved that Hensley wanted to give her something tangible to remind her of that appreciation.
During our collaboration, Hensley told me:
“I love celebrating my friend & am so happy to have you to collaborate with on it.”
Those words captured so much of what I enjoyed about this commission.
The bracelet began with Hensley's thoughtful idea, shaped by her knowledge of Courtney and the relationship they shared. My role was to help bring that idea to life in silver and gold.
After Courtney received her gift, she sent me a message:
“It's so beautiful and special. I absolutely love it!”
That meant so much to me.
And I was grateful to have played a small part in celebrating someone who has meant so much to so many people—including me.