Lost Scriptures Returned After 17 years

My wife sent me a text yesterday that piqued my curiosity.

"Hi. Just got an interesting phone call. Do you know someone named _______?"

"Not immediately. I'm curious now."

"It would have been several years ago. He had a set of scriptures that belong to you. His mother in law just called and said she had been asked by him to return them to you."

Seventeen years ago I was just about to start my school year as a part time seminary teacher. I attended a meeting with other part time teachers at the Mountain View High School seminary. I remember putting my scriptures in the side pocket of the desk, and forgot them when I left. Later that night I realized my mistake, and returned the next day to get them, but couldn't find them. School was just about to start, so I bought a new set. That was 17 years ago.

I called the woman today and she was very nice. She mentioned that her son-in-law had given them to her about 4 years ago. She mentioned that the scriptures were beautifully marked, and because of that she had even used them once in an institute class. Her son-in-law must have noticed that I forgot my scriptures after that meeting 17 years ago, and then forgot to give them to me. I picked them up tonight and thanked her for finding me.

I wasn't sure what memories the scriptures would bring back. But it has brought back several. I'll list a few.

• I was reminded of the whole seminary teaching experience, which prompted me to go find the crayon talk again.
• My mom bought these scriptures for me as a Christmas present right before I went on my mission. I entered the MTC on February 3 - and I spent much of that January transferring markings from my childhood scriptures to my new missionary set. I took a photo of the process with all four books open and my marking pencils scattered about. I have memories of the anticipation I felt, and wished I could start my mission already.
• The scripture cover zipper wore out while I was on my mission. I had the zipper replaced. That brought back lots of memories of Brazil.
• The scriptures were marked well as the woman indicated - as they would be through a mission and college courses, and lots of personal study. As I have thumbed through the pages tonight I've been reminded of some of the lessons the scriptures taught me once upon a time. I find myself wanting to look at my present set to make sure the lessons were captured again.
• I had a tithing receipt in the scriptures for $29. Those were the days.

So there is my lost scripture story. The coincidental part is that my wife this week has been preparing a primary sharing time lesson about the scriptures being treasures. My scriptures are certainly a lost treasure that's been found.