Twenty-three years had passed since Eleanora Karman, of North Canton, Ohio, lost her wedding ring while fishing at night.

Then last June, Eleanora, fifty-seven years old, was chatting with bingo buddy Jo Berry on their way in to the game at the local church, and Jo mentioned that she'd just caught three catfish. "If you catch a fish and find a wedding band inside, it may be mine," Eleanor joked. Her friend's face suddenly turned serious as she said, "Describe it." The white-gold ring, said Eleanora, was inscribed with the Karman's initials and wedding date.

"I have that ring!" Jo said, and dashed home to retrieve the band she'd once found on the shore while fishing. The tearful, jubilant reunion of jewelry and owner was witnessed by everyone at the church - including the priest, who turned down Eleanor's request to bless the ring. "Honey," he said, "that ring is already blessed!"

By From Ladies' Home Journal
from A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul
© 1996 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen & Barry Spilchuk