10/17/2025
I love October. It still gets dark late enough that I can get out later in the afternoon without suffering from heat exhaustion. Plus, it’s been a while since I’ve done a recovery, so I was super excited when everything aligned perfectly and Amanda called about her lost ring.
She and her husband were down from near Indianapolis, exploring the area and thinking about moving here. They decided to spend some time on our beautiful beaches. While throwing a football at the water’s edge, Amanda slightly jammed her ring finger. Worried about swelling, she took off her ring and put it on her right hand. It wasn’t the best fit—but it seemed fine for the moment.
When she felt better, she went back down to the water’s edge and started tossing the football again. But when she sat back down in her chair later, she realized the ring was gone—and that sinking feeling of loss and panic hit hard.
She called me, and we went over the details. She wasn’t sure if it had flown into the Gulf or dropped into the sand. I told her it would be a few hours, but I’d bring multiple machines later that afternoon. Like a trooper, she stayed there all day watching and marking the area.
When I arrived, I started at the water’s edge, searching the drop-off zone first. No luck. I worked my way higher into the wet sand—still nothing. I debated whether to head into the water or stay dry a little longer, and I’m glad I chose the latter. After a few more passes, I got an awesome tone and number on my machine. I knew I had it.
I walked over to Amanda’s chair, shaking the sand gently from my scoop and watching her face. You could see the exact moment she realized her ring was back—tears started flowing as she slipped it back onto her finger. She told me she and her husband had the ring custom-made years ago and were afraid it might be a bad sign not to move to Pensacola or Orange Beach.
I told her maybe it was the opposite—a good sign that there are good people here who will help you when you need it. She smiled, wiped another tear, and agreed.
I’m so glad I could help. Welcome to the area, Amanda! If you ever need me again, I’ll be here. 😃
