The Unexpected Discovery
Imagine buying an old couch from a Salvation Army store and finding more than just comfort. That’s exactly what happened to a group of friends, all college students, who made an incredible discovery when they took the couch to their dorm room.
After watching a movie on the newly acquired couch, they noticed something unusual – crinkles in the integrated side pillows. Curiosity piqued, they decided to investigate further. To their astonishment, they found not one, but two bubble wrap envelopes hidden within the couch cushions.
Geology major, Werkhoven, one of the students involved in the amazing discovery, explained the moment of terror and excitement, “We tore them out and were completely terrified when we saw an inch and a half of $100 bills.” They quickly counted the cash, documenting the process with photos, and to everyone’s disbelief, they had stumbled upon a whopping $41,000!
The Moral Dilemma
Initially, the students couldn’t believe their luck. They started fantasizing about all the things they could do with the money, from buying a car for a friend’s mom to getting a boat. However, their joy quickly turned into moral ambiguity when they noticed one of the envelopes had a woman’s name on it.
The realization hit them that they hadn’t earned this money. The sense of entitlement vanished, and they knew they had to do the right thing. Guasti, a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, expressed their sentiment, “Because we didn’t earn that money.”
The students’ parents supported them in their quest to find the rightful owner of the discovered fortune. In order to avoid any potential theft, the parents advised their children to keep the secret treasure hidden from others.
The Reunion
After a diligent search effort led by Werkhoven’s mother, they finally found the woman’s contact information in a phone book. Werkhoven bravely picked up the phone, unsure of how she would react.
“I found a couch,” Werkhoven told her. In disbelief, she responded, “Oh my God, I left a lot of money in that couch.” The woman couldn’t believe her ears when Werkhoven added, “I found something that I think is yours.”
The Woman’s Story
The elderly woman, who prefers to remain anonymous, revealed to her friends that her late husband had secretly given her the money to secure her future after his passing. With nowhere else to hide it, she carefully stashed her savings in the couch, a hiding place that served her well for thirty years.
In recent times, the woman underwent back surgery and spent several months in a rehabilitation facility. Her doctors advised her children to replace the old couch to alleviate her back pain – a suggestion that led to the couch being donated to the Salvation Army.
Doing the Right Thing
The students, despite the temptation, felt no remorse in returning the money to its rightful owner. In fact, they expressed a desire to go out to dinner with the woman and her family after the reunion.
Werkhoven, sharing his perspective, said, “I think it’s just that anyone can do good if they will themselves to it.” Russo, one of the students, added, “I believe everything went as it should, and to be honest, I don’t really think about it that much.”
A Reward for Good Deeds
As a token of appreciation, the woman graciously shared $1,000 with the three students. It was a heartwarming ending to an incredible story of honesty and integrity.
The Lesson Learned
This incredible tale is a testament to the power of doing what’s right, even when faced with temptation. It serves as a reminder that anyone can make a positive impact simply by willing themselves to do good.
So, the next time you’re faced with a moral dilemma, ask yourself – would you act in the same manner?
Please SHARE this extraordinary story with your friends and family to inspire kindness and honesty!
