New Year’s Eve ended on a disappointing note for Washington State resident, Brandon. He and his wife were visiting family in Milwaukee for the holidays. They were staying at a Motel when a few celebratory drinks combined with a marital spat did not end well. Brandon threw his wife’s wedding ring off the top-floor balcony into the cold wintry night. It was not a good way to start the New Year! Given the unfortunate circumstances, I am protecting Brandon’s identity in this story.
It happeed like this. I received a text from Brandon asking if I might be able to help. He was understandably embarrassed by his actions but, as a man should, he owned up to the situation taking full responsibility. In a few hours I met Brandon on location and began searching in an alleyway below the balcony where they had stayed. It was very cold; my equipment was struggling in the extreme temperatures. A light snowfall during the night made the search even more challenging as did the presence of a dozen brass 9mm pistol shell casings. Being in a residential area, the bullet casings begged answers to all kinds of sinister questions, answers that are probably best left unknown. Hopefully, their presence was a benign remnant of someone’s earlier New Year celebrations in lieu of fireworks.
The ring could have landed in any number places including a roof of a nearby garage or in any of several open garbage bins waiting collection. As it turned out, the beautiful love token was hiding in the snow behind one such bin! A few inches further, the ring could have ended up buried forever in a local landfill. I can attest to Brandon’s relief when his ring was found. Hopefully his marriage will be stronger for having weathered the storm.
If you or someone you know has lost a ring, even under embarrassing circumstances, give me a call. Life happens. Maybe I can help put the not-so-pleasant memory behind you—without judgment.
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