Holiday Miracle: Missing Rings Returned To LI Woman

BAY SHORE, NY - It was a holiday miracle for one Long Island woman who thought she had lost something close to her forever. Last week, Meaghan Miner was at the American Eagle store in the Westfield Mall in Bay Shore when she took off her rings to try on some clothes. She had on three rings: her engagement ring, a wedding band and a ring with the birthstones of her children.

While checking out, she realized she had forgotten to put the rings back on when she left the dressing room. She remembered leaving them on the bench in the dressing room, so she ran back to check, but they were gone.

Miner was heartbroken and began sharing her story, along with photos of the rings, on social media in hopes of finding them. The rings were worth thousands of dollars, but the sentimental value of the jewelry was priceless.

“They remind me of being engaged to my husband in Mexico after being together since we were 17 years old, and him working hard to save this money to buy this ring for me to ask me to marry him. They represent the birthstones of my five kids,” she told 1010 WINS.

Then on Tuesday, her prayers were answered. A man who took the rings returned them to her. While Miner said it was wrong of him to take the rings, he did the right thing in bringing them back.

"People make mistakes and do things for whatever reasons in moments that can’t be undone, but their next move is what matters most. In this situation— their next move was the right decision, and it has brought so much happiness to us," she told Patch. "It reminds us that deep down, everyone’s heart beats the same. Compassion, kindness and forgiveness can make amazing things happen. We are so thankful for everyone’s support and encouragement and will never forget how amazing the power of social media can be when everyone is working together to make something positive happen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."