August 26th:
Michael called me with an urgent request to help him find a very sentimental wedding ring. Years ago Michael knew what ring he wanted, a Claddagh ring made by Fallers in Galway, Ireland. He and his fiancée scoured the internet for the perfect ring. Not being able to find it by pictures alone, it was decided to purchase a Claddagh ring from the same maker as the one that President Kennedy had been given during a visit to Ireland. So the ring would not be purchased from a website or local jeweler. That would not do the marriage justice. Michael and his bride to be decided a trip to Fallers Jewellers had to be made to purchase the most perfect ring directly from the source.
For many years the ring had not left Michael’s finger until the waters of Cape Cod Bay snatched it from the finger as Michael enjoyed a cooling plunge on a hot summer day.
To improve the chances of finding Michael’s ring Leighton Harrington and I showed up on the beach just after sunrise on Michael’s birthday. The search started just where the ring had thought to have been lost. About an hour and half of searching did not bring the ring back to the surface. The search area from dry sand to knee deep water had to be expanded. I noticed Michael taking a birthday swim. The area he swam to motivated me to start searching in deeper water, up to my shoulders and east of the area we had been searching. I heard the tone of a gold ring, Two scoops and I saw gold. But all I could see was the ring’s shank among the pebbles in my scoop. A quick shake and I saw the heart between the two hands. The search was over, I had recovered the ring.
I had Michael remove the ring from my scoop. His heightened excitement had his hand shaking. Nothing else could have been a more meaningful “gift” for his 74th birthday. Nothing would do, but to call his wife and then his mother of a spry age of 97 to tell them of his good fortune in contacting TheRingFinders. To say the least, This return was one of the top highly emotional returns I have had the pleasure of making.
Pictures, stories, congratulations, and best wishes for a Very Happy Birthday followed. We left Michael knowing he was to enjoy and share his happiness with family in the heat and sunshine of a wonderful Cape Cod day.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
5 Replies to “Sandy Neck, Cape Cod, MA Lost Ring Found and Returned”
Comments are closed.
I wish to express my joy and Thanks to Richard and Leighton. The potential loss of the ring that my Fiance Joanne and I had traveled to Galway City to procure was devastating. The ring originates in the small fishing village of the Claddagh, just outside the ancient walls of Galway City. It is the ancestral home of my Paternal Grandparents. I grew up hearing my Grandmother, Delia, describing the beautiful rings in the window of Fallers on Shop Street. I felt that the emotional bond of my history and my future marriage required matching, His and Hers, Claddagh rings from the source. The ring acquired even more power when at a Christmas Eve wedding, performed by my Father, the rings were placed on our fingers. https://dedham.wickedlocal.com/article/20141226/news/141228082
Richard’s story of the search and the find just needs one addendum., as I went into the water for that Birthday swim there was a pervading thought in my head. ” I lost the ring in the ocean, the only way it can find me is if I am in the ocean” I swam back in, passing Richard, pretty deep in the water, no sooner was I ashore that I turned to see the smiling faces of Richard and Leighton. “Is this your ring” Richard said as he held out his scoop and among the beach rocks I spied a most wonderful sight. Thank You!
Dear Richard and Leighton, I am Michael’s 97 year old mother, Mildred R. Cox. My Claddagh ring was purchased in Faller’s of Galway in 1977, our first trip across the Pond. At a recent get-together, August 15, 2021, my daughter-in-law Diane Cox gave 11 year old Madelynne Cox, her grand=daughter, my first great grand-daughter, her Claddagh ring in my presence. We have not been together for over a year and a half. It was emotional then and it is overwhelming to me now that you have made my first-born son so happy. Your work is most appreciated by the entire Cox Family. Sláinte! Millie
Mildred, it was our pleasure with recovering Mike’s ring for him. The story behind it is very heartfelt.
Truly Leighton
Impossible to read this from across the ocean, in Galway of the Claddagh, without feeling the immense emotion and connection that is meant to be! So delighted and relieved for you, Michael. You were never meant to be parted from this ring. All your angels in heaven, especially our Galway ones, made the sun shine in that spot! Lots of love to you all, Mildred, Michael, Joanne and family. Marion xxx☘️☘️☘️💚💚💚
I am proud to say I was involved with this particular Ring Find and Return. Rick and I have returned many rings over our careers but this one is so special to both of us. Congratulations Mike & Joanne and Happy Birthday Buddy. This is exactly why we do this. Your face and disbelief was priceless. Be safe and don’t forget to get it resized. Your Friend Leighton