Lost ring, symbol between mother and daughter

Mikaella has searched lost and found departments across campus, she said, and sought friends to help find the ring.

Peter Wales, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, works at the information desk at the MSC. He sees people looking for lost items "tons and tons of times a day."

"Random people or janitors will bring lost items they find here," he said. "After 30 days or so, unclaimed things are thrown away or given away."

Phones, keys and wallets are turned over to University Police, but jewelry remains with them, he said. Currently, they have several rings — none being Mikaella's.

Sheryl said she doesn't blame anybody. She doesn't want anyone to feel embarrassed or humiliated. She doesn't want anyone to feel sorry for her or Mikaella. She just wants the ring back.

She said she doesn't need to know who has it or for what reason. Sheryl said whoever has it can remain anonymous, and she is willing to set up an exchange through a third party.

Though she said pawn shops could offer more for the ring, she is offering $100 in cash for anyone who can return it to her.

"I know college students often need cash," she said. "I wish I could offer more, but I can't."

Mikaella turns 22 in December, a day Sheryl said she once didn't know if she'd live to see. Now she thanks God she is here every day, and thinking of Mikaella with the ring reminds her of their journey.

"I'll never be able to replace that ring," she said. "That particular ring is no longer made. I'm not a materialistic person, and neither is Mikaella, but it's just a special piece of jewelry to us. It's never going to mean to anyone else what it means to us."