It was an act of kindness that became a blessing to both parties involved.
Dale Ulman, aka “Boomer,” owner of Boomer’s Biker Apparel in Clarkston since 1996, was recently in Flat Rock at Mannheim Metro Detroit Auto Auction.
He admits, “I like going to car auctions. It’s my hobby.”
While there, Boomer noticed a bracelet on the lobby floor. It was dirty, broken and had been stepped on.
“It didn’t look like much to me. I just threw it in my pocket and didn’t think anything about it.”
A buddy who had accompanied Boomer to the auction suggested getting the bracelet appraised.
Boomer decided not to and went back to work later that day.
But, getting married in October, Boomer had to check on the wedding rings and decided to have the jeweler look at the bracelet.
To his surprise the jeweler revealed it was a 4 karat diamond tennis bracelet valued at $3,000. The jeweler cleaned it up, fixed a broken clasp, and offered Boomer $1,600.
Boomer said, “No, I have to find who owns it.”
The Ortonville resident said he is a firm believer of what goes around comes around.
“One time I lost my wallet. I was devastated. But someone was kind enough to stick it in a mailbox and send it back.” It was complete with credit cards, keys; everything.
“It ain’t like hitting the slot machine, or winning the Lotto. It’s not mine. Someone’s sitting out there crying, drying over that (bracelet). I can’t go to church on Sunday and lie on Monday,” Boomer said, a member of Faith Baptist Church in Waterford.
So, he called Mannheim right away.
Kay Thomas, 69, who works in coat check one day a week at Mannheim, had already reported her bracelet missing.
“It was the first time I lost anything of importance,” she said, who searched even garbage cans to find her bracelet, but with no luck.
Unfortunately, Boomer wasn’t going to be able to make it to Flat Rock any time soon. But he gave directions for Thomas to come to Clarkston. “I wanted to see her,” he said.
The Southgate resident and her daughter Kathy Whittman came to the store on Friday Aug. 1 to pick up the bracelet.
“She said, ‘What do I owe you? You’ve restored my faith.’ But I wouldn’t take anything but a hug and a kiss on the cheek.”
Boomer’s fiancee, Sandy Mellado, was there for the bracelet return. “She said, ‘That’s why I love you,’ and started crying.” Then others started crying. “How can I have a macho bike shop if everyone’s crying?” Boomer laughed.
Thomas’ daughter suggested recognition in the media, since Boomer would not accept money from Thomas. “I could send a card but he deserves more than that. You don’t see kindness like that these days. Honesty and integrity like that is rare.”
Boomer is humble about the act. “I just gave a bracelet back, I didn’t cure the common cold.”
Some people have questioned Boomer’s decision to give the bracelet back. “Some people think I’m an idiot. I could’ve bought Sandy a bracelet. But it would’ve been a lie if I kept it. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep at night.”
“I’ve received so many blessings,” Boomer said. “You should’ve seen the look on her face when I gave it back. It was really cool.”