From: North Carolina.

Two years ago, McKay and her husband were preparing to welcome their second child. A week before her due date, she went in for what was meant to be a routine induction. Within hours, the birth experience they had imagined looked nothing like what unfolded.

Their son, Walker, was born and immediately taken to the NICU. The next ten days were a blur of monitors, whispered prayers, countless tests, and questions no one could yet answer. On his ninth day of life, Walker was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition. On his tenth, he passed away peacefully in McKay’s arms. Nothing prepares you for that kind of loss. The grief is overwhelming and it shifts everything.

In the heavy weeks that followed, McKay was simply trying to get through each day. Then, about a month later, a special package arrived.

Inside was a personalized gold Maya Brenner necklace, thoughtfully designed by her boss. Four charms. Four symbols of a life shaped by love, loss and faith.

A “G” for her oldest daughter.
A cross to represent her deep faith.
An emerald birthstone to honor the baby she had lost to miscarriage prior to her first daughter being born.
And a “W” for Walker.

It is simple. It is gold. It is dainty. And it means everything.

McKay has worn that necklace every single day since she received it. What may look like a pretty necklace to someone else is, for her, a source of comfort she wears. The “W” has become a quiet way to keep Walker present. A way to continue speaking his name. A way to ensure he remains an active, honored part of their family’s story. 

McKay shares that the necklace has sparked conversations, especially with her daughter. It has opened space to talk about Walker, to remember him openly, to weave him into everyday life. In that way, this piece has become more than a keepsake. It is a bridge between loss and the present moment.

She also speaks about the craftsmanship. The gold still shines brilliantly after two years of constant wear. It has endured tears, milestones, ordinary mornings, and extraordinary heartache. It has become part of her daily rhythm.

And perhaps most beautifully, her story did not end there.

Recently, McKay welcomed another baby girl. The first thing she did when they returned home from the hospital was send her necklace off to have a new initial added. (Our custom pieces are designed to grow with you.) Because life continues. Because love expands. Because this necklace grows as her story grows.

McKay, thank you for trusting us with something so sacred. Jewelry cannot fix heartbreak, but it can help us carry the ones we love.

xo

Would you like to share your story? Click here to tell us about the meaning behind your MB Jewelry.