I received an email from Meghan Q. that her husband lost his wedding ring while visiting her mothers cottage at Paw Paw Lake in Southwest Michigan last Sunday. He was swimming and playing some catch football with his brother-in-law when he noticed his ring was gone. « Sadly it was his grandfather’s ring and my husband was beside himself for having lost it » says Meghan. « It’s just a simple gold band – not worth too much money but the sentimental value is priceless to him ». I got back to Meghan right away and told her I could go down Wednesday and search for the ring. She said there wouldn’t be anyone there but go ahead and if you find it give her a call. Meghan and Tim live and work in Illinois so I kept in telephone contact that Wed. morning. I searched in the area by the dock where they were swimming for about 4 hours with no luck. I gave Meghan a call and told her I would be back on Thursday to try again and bring my search partner Dave B. for help.
Tim was there this morning when we arrived and we started searching about 10AM in an expanded grid pattern from the previous day. He showed us how he threw the ball and we preceded to search. After 3 hours of searching to no avail I went back around the dock area and got a strong signal and put down my scoop in the area and when I brought it up I saw a glint of gold and knew I had « Juice ». (I can’t believe I’m using a term from that crazy DIGGERS show). I looked at the ring and saw that it was more than a « simple gold band », it was a wide gold and heavy band that would have upset me too if I had lost it.
Changing into dry clothes, putting our gear away, taking some pictures and shaking Tim’s hand we smiled a bit and texted Meghan, who is a school teacher, to tell her the good news. In the words of Chris Turner « I love my job ». Two rings in two days, 450 miles and off to find another tomorrow.
Dear Gregg,
Thank you so much for finding the ring! I can’t believe you guys were able to find it. You have no idea how much we appreciate your help. My husband is not a very emotional guy, and he was both crying when he lost if and crying after you found it. (We’ve been together over 10 years and I can count the number of times I’ve seen him cry on one hand). Its been a while since he lost his grandpa, who he was very close to, and I know wearing his ring meant a lot to him. He’d never say it, but I know he felt like he had let his grandparents, parents, and uncle down when he lost the ring, and I think that was the hardest part for him. There is nothing else to say but thank you. You are such a good person for helping people out in times of need. I’d love to send you a thank you card: what is your address?
Thank you again,
Meghan