If he is indeed still alive, I agree he should buy you a new pair NOW. Some people are not raised to respect others property and need to be taught. I"m still teaching my husband. He broke a mug I got my last birthday from a dear friend when he had it in the garage! Not only that, he didn't tell me, just threw it away and I had to ask if he'd seen to find out what happened. Needless to say, he's in the doghouse for the foreseeable future. Some people's children!