The Lord (kind of) of the Rings – a Christmas engagement story

I wrote this six years ago, and it warms my heart every Christmas…

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My nephew Sean became engaged two nights ago.  Very exciting!  His bride-to-be Tori is great!

Sean researched diamonds before purchasing a ring, became familiar with the four “C”s and experienced the maze of choosing a stone, a setting, and wondering why it’s all so expensive.  

Like most future grooms, he’d never thought much about jewelry in general, let alone an engagement ring. 

 

One couple so ecstatic because of a ring, and all that it means.

Yesterday afternoon, he acquired another diamond ring in the parking lot of his apartment building.  A sparkle caught his eye as he got into his car, and he picked up what he initially thought was a toy ring.

He took the ring to the store where he’d purchased Tori’s ring, to have it examined.  They told him it was genuine, but they couldn’t track it without pulling the number from inside the band, which they couldn’t fully read because of the particular design.  They suggested he place a notice on Craig’s List.

Sean thought he might ask around first, see if anyone had inquired about a lost ring, or posted a notice. 

Inside his own apartment building, he found a sign:  “Please help.  Lost engagement ring.”  And a phone number.

Sean called the number. The woman described the ring perfectly, said she and her husband had been in town earlier that day (they live an hour away.)  She had taken off her ring to put on some lotion and apparently got distracted.  She realized a later, while visiting a museum in town, the ring was not on her finger.  

They retraced their steps, but did not find the ring.

Can you imagine?  The monetary value of a diamond, the emotional attachment, the history shared, this priceless piece of your heart.  

Gone. 

Imagine the grieving this wife must have endured since they drove home.  Another couple so heart-sick because of a ring, and all that it means.

And then this wife got a phone call.

From a stranger. 

From my honorable, I-recently-bought-a-diamond-ring-myself-and-just-became-engaged nephew. 

I think it’s beautiful that Sean carried such sparkling, resplendent news – and two rings – to two different parties within such a short time.  At Christmas time. 

I love you…take this ring. 

And…I’m returning to you your LOST ring. 

Talk about being Santa Claus. Happy tears on both ends. 

The couple of the lost ring gave Sean a reward for his honesty.  The three of them talked about how interesting it was that a ring was given and a ring was lost – and found – within the same twenty-four hours. 

The couple thought getting their ring was the best Christmas gift they could have received.  Tori thought the same thing.

Different lives, different circumstances; same overwhelming gratitude and ecstasy.  

My nephew was the best person three people saw that day. He was part elf and part angel, bringing joyous news to the unexpecting.   

That’s what the best presents do.   

Good job, buddy.  

Tori and Sean as we know and love them.

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