By Annette Bowler

Kennebunkport resident

Ever lose a piece of jewelry? Ever go to a copy center to find it? Well I did. Let me tell you my story.

The sky was blue, the air crisp but not cold, and I was trying to “get healthy” and lift my mood, so I went for a walk. I was on my way to Wink’s about a half-mile from my house. My pace was good and I was enjoying myself. As I reached the store, I began to get warm, so I took off my red fleece and tied it around my waist. Life was good.

When I got back home, I was ambitious. I didn’t even go back into the house, but went right to work on our property, cleaning up branches and twigs that had accumulated in the woods. I was in my glory. Spurred by my good mood, I cleaned up the area and built a huge pile of branches. The place looked great.

As a reward for our hard work, Art and I went out to dinner that night and it was there the drama unfolded. For some reason, I felt for my gold bracelet on my right wrist. It was gone. My mind flashed back to the day’s work: My walk! The cleanup! Help!

For the rest of the weekend, I carried that albatross around my neck and didn’t get a wink of sleep. Finally, Monday came. I had a plan. I told Art I was going to buy a metal detector. He thought I was crazy and said I should just give up on the bracelet. It was gone, so move on. I couldn’t do it. He had given me this treasure. I was determined.

The hunt was afoot. I found out that metal detectors were sold right on Route 1 in Kennebunk. I entered the store, amazed at the variety of equipment and was educated about how a metal detector works and what their limits were.

A very kind gentleman advised me after I told him my story: If I wanted a hobby, fine, buy one, but if all I wanted was to find my gold bracelet, go to Will’s Copy Center. Will’s Copy Center? I knew where it was, but why go there? He explained that Will had found things for people, and his record was six for six.

Within minutes, I was at Will’s. I had been there several times. I knew who Will was. He greeted me and I told him my story. Taking the bull by the horns, he suggested he come by my house this afternoon after he closed up shop.

Five o’clock came around. I was on the lookout for Will, perched on a chair in the front room with a clear view of the driveway. I was working on a crossword puzzle when a little bright blue Bug pulled up and there was Will. I was hopeful. Would his record be broken or would it hold?

We began the search He set to work right away, looking very professional wearing earphones attached to a metal detector and his arm outstretched, passing the machine back and forth, back and forth. I directed him where to look, groaning inside while realizing how many places it could be. Then I guided him closer to the huge pile of branches. Within minutes, after hearing a strong beep, he proclaimed those hoped-for words, “I found it!” He saw the glint of gold, pulled it out and there it was, held high like the trophy it was, my bracelet.

We were both so excited and happy, I wanted to hug him.

I couldn’t wait to show Art. I told Will he had to come into the house and share the joy. I called down to the basement and Art came up right away, hearing the excitement in my voice. I raised the prize high and introduced the hero, Will. We were all laughing. It was a Norman Rockwell moment.

Now Will’s record can stay intact. I was happy for him and happy too that I wasn’t the story that ruined his record. Will rode away in triumph, Don Quixote off to save another Dulcinea.