Pleasant Surprise...

[Terrance C.]

About 3 weeks ago I cleaned up after a Christmas party at our hall. Pat, the renter there, called while I was sweeping the floor to ask me if I had found a ring while cleaning. I told him I didn't see one while sweeping the floor but would check the trash. He told me it wasn't that important as the ring wasn't worth that much and that the woman accepted the fact that it was gone for good. I told him I'd still look for it anyway so he gave me his phone number.

Like I do after every rental, I check the trash cans for aluminum cans and plastic bottles for my recycling 'business'. Imagine my surprise when I found the ring on a plate of food halfway down the trash can! Wow!!! Surprised the hell out of me as I wasn't even looking for it by then! I called Pat with the good news and he said he'd call the lady and let her know. I felt pretty good!

Well, 3 weeks have past and I had forgotten all about it. I was at the hall yesterday to put some stuff away when I saw a letter in the office addressed to me at the hall. Ms. Fina B.? Who the hell is that ??? I opened the envelope to find a card titled "Thinking of You." Huh? I opened it and read what was written:

Terry!

'Better late than never,' as the saying goes. Hope it still holds true. I can't thank you enough for being the 'honest person' you are. This ring means alot to me, my mother gave it to me when I was really young, which I'm not anymore. I told Patrick I'm sure it was a lost cause. When he called with the good news I couldn't believe it.

So, thank you so much. It takes people like you to make this place a better world.

I'm sending you a [u]little[/u] something. I know you were'nt expecting anything being the person you are, so it's just to let you know, your good deed, won't be taken lightly. Wish I could do more."

Then the card reads: "with warm thoughts and wishing you well" which she underlines.

I'm
Ms. Fina B.

P.S.
If the check is not right, this is the name I got, call & I'll make it right.

483-****

WOW!!! She sent a check for $50.00! I called her and told her 'reward money' wasn't necessary, but she told me she want's me to keep it. She said her mother gave her that ring when she was 21 and she's 84 now! It definately was valuable as I counted at least 5 diamonds on it. She said "You could have easily have kept it and not said anything", but I told her I would never do that. She said "I know you wouldn't.", which is funny 'cause I've never met her before.

She told me she want's to meet me sometime and thank me in person. I was actually tearing up as I read her note. It's nice to know that some people do appreciate you every once in awhile! : )

[greenbelly]

thanks for sharing that. that's a beautiful story. so nice to hear.

[firepile]

That friggin rocks. I love to be reminded there are still good people in the world, and that a good chunk of them are right around me :)

[muser]

that's a beautiful story. Not only heartwarming because you did a good deed, but for the genuine appreciation that was shown to you.

[HeatherO]

if only half the people in this world were half as honest as you are, this world would
be a whole bunch better. Thank you.

This reminds me of something that happened to me not long ago.
I work in a liquor store part time, and I had a customer come in one slow night and he picked out what he
wanted and then came to the counter, kind of searching his pockets for his money. He couldn't find it and paid with his debit card. Calm as anything he said "I think I just lost $800"
I asked him how he cold be so calm about possibly losing $800, he just kind of shrugged and said "I'm hoping I left it in my coat pocket at home"
I walked through the store with him and out to his car, just to see if maybe he dropped it on the way in...we didn't find it. He paid for his purchase and I told him, "get home safe and look for your money"
half hour later he came back and I was a bit surprised to see him again, but he tucked $50 in my hand and gave me a hug and wished me a Merry Christmas. I was surprised and a little stunned, because I hadn't really done anything to deserve a reward. Some people just have a really good heart, and appreciate even the littlest bit of honesty.

[Terrance C.]

Wow, that's a nice story! It is nice to be appreciated for your help and honesty these days.