Brighten Your Day

10-Year-Old Boy Finds Priceless Wedding Ring In Costco Parking Lot — What Happened Next Will Melt Your Heart

August 25, 2025

What started as an ordinary Saturday shopping trip turned into an unforgettable story of honesty, kindness, and a reunion that no one involved will ever forget.

Kal and Mae | Credit: KSDK News

In the busy parking lot of Costco in Manchester, Missouri, 10-year-old Kal Blank spotted something shiny on the ground. Kal has a lifelong habit of looking down — searching for treasures in unexpected places. Over the years, he’s collected bags of coins, crystals, and trinkets others have overlooked.

This time, however, the “treasure” was no ordinary find.

Kal bent down and picked up what he thought was just another coin, only to realize it was heavy — far too heavy. He slipped it into his pocket, not knowing he was holding someone’s most cherished possession.

That ring belonged to Mae Pratzel, who had recently undergone surgery and lost weight. Without realizing it, her once-snug ring had slipped off her finger as she returned shopping carts at Costco. For Mae and her husband Alan, the loss was devastating. The diamond at the center was the same stone Alan had given her nearly 50 years ago when he first proposed.

“It was one of the most awful feelings,” Mae said. “We kept saying, ‘It’s just a ring,’ but it was more than that.”

While the Pratzels spent the night searching their home in despair, hope was quietly on the way. Dr. Blank called Costco and confirmed someone had reported a missing ring that perfectly matched Kal’s find.

But instead of simply handing it back, Kal made the return special.

He polished the ring, placed it inside a small box his mother had saved from a trip to Ireland, and tucked in a handwritten note. With honesty only a child could capture, Kal wrote: “I kind of wanted to keep it 'cause it was pretty and shiny. I hope you relax now that you have your ring back.”

On Sunday evening, Costco’s manager stayed late so the families could coordinate the return. What followed was a series of heartfelt discoveries. Not only did Mae and Alan get their ring back, but they also learned their families were more connected than they realized. One of their grandchildren attends the same school as Kal’s sister, and Alan — a retired lawyer — had professional ties to Kal’s dad, Shane Blank, who works as an assistant U.S. attorney.

The families soon arranged to meet in person. When Mae first hugged Kal, her words filled the room: “You’re Kal?! Come here! You don’t know how special you are to me!”

The Pratzels, preparing to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this December, say Kal’s honesty restored their faith in humanity.

“He is an extremely special kid, and you guys have to be so proud,” Mae told Kal’s parents.

As for Kal? The boy who loves collecting coins, rocks, and even insects hopes to one day become an entomologist. But for now, he’s simply the kid who proved that while diamonds may shine, kindness shines brighter.