Thursday, January 5, 2012

The ring is missing

"Man, this ring feels weird on my finger."

That was the thought going through my head as I tried to fall asleep on my and Aimee's wedding night. It was the end of a VERY long (but fun!) day, and I was exhausted. Aimee crashed pretty quickly after we went to bed, but I lay awake as I tried to get used to how the wedding ring felt on my hand. It was as is I couldn't get my fingers to fit next to each other correctly anymore, and the odd sensation kept me awake.

For some reason, this memory came to me today. It's probably because I can't find Aimee's wedding ring, and I'd like to have it.

my wedding ring, in a rare moment off my finger
I'd forgotten all about it until last night. I'm not used to thinking about her ring - I've got my own to keep track of. But suddenly last night I realized that I didn't have it, and didn't know where it was. I spoke to someone at the funeral home that handled Aimee's cremation, but they indicated the only personal items released to them from the funeral home in Florida was her swimsuit and the wetsuit she'd been wearing. They called the funeral home in Florida that had taken possession of her remains from the Medical Examiner's Office, and they indicated that the clothes were all they'd received. They also indicated that the ME would have turned over all possessions, so that meant that Aimee didn't have the ring on when she was brought in.

I recalled that the last moment I saw Aimee - shortly before she got on the boat - she'd been wearing shorts and a shirt. That meant she'd changed out of her clothes and into her swimsuit at some point. My guess is that wherever her clothes are, her ring is also, probably in the pocket of those shorts. And those clothes are likely one of two places:

1. In a locker at Jacobs Aquatic Center in Key Largo, or
2. In the bags of items the Coast Guard collected off the boat and out of the water at the beginning of their investigation.

Number 2 is more likely, and I plan to call the Coast Guard tomorrow to see if in fact they have Aimee's clothes and if the ring is there. If they do, but the ring isn't there, there's only one more place it could likely be.

At the bottom of the ocean off of Key Largo, Florida.

I sincerely hope that isn't the case. I'd really like to have that ring back. I know it's a small thing. I mean, it's just a band of white gold (she'd asked for silver, but I told her that she should at least let me get her one that was white gold, since she'd already let me off the hook for a diamond). :) Engraved on the inside is our wedding date, 4-29-06, and the word "ONE", indicating what she and I had become once the marriage was final. Mine has the same engravings inside of it. Nothing big at all, but it is important.

And like I said, I'd really like to have it back.

4 comments:

  1. Pat I am with you on this one to.....the ring may be a small item, but it symbolizes the love you two have for each other....an eternal everlasting love...you should have it, you are entitled to it. I hope and pray that it is in the pocket of her shorts, and not at the bottom of the ocean at Key Largo...I will be praying for you on this matter.

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  2. I think you are very right it wanting her ring back. It may be small but it holds so much sentimental value. You seem so composed, I'm impressed, because I would be a complete basket case! I really hope that her ring is safe and sound in her shorts with the Coast Guard.

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  3. Just came across your blog, truly heartbreaking. I will pray for you and your family..

    Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

    brian

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  4. I also hope you find the ring Pat. I'm sure it would be a nice keepsake for you to have. I also go to CCS, but don't think I have ever met you. It's hard to know what to say to someone who has gone through what you have, except to echo what Brian said above, since he did such a good job. I hope you have a good weekend!

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