Can you imagine buying an old couch from a Salvation Army store and finding more than just comfort? Well, that’s exactly what happened to a group of friends. These college students made an incredible and unexpected discovery when they took the couch to their dorm room.
After settling down to watch a movie on their newly acquired couch, they noticed something unusual – crinkles in the integrated side pillows. Their curiosity piqued, they decided to investigate further. To their astonishment, they found not one, but two bubble wrap envelopes hidden within the couch cushions.
One of the students, Werkhoven, who happened to be a Geology major, described the moment of terror and excitement when they uncovered their unexpected treasure, saying, “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: Making the Right Choice
At first, 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 that one of the envelopes had a woman’s name on it.
The realization hit them hard – they hadn’t earned this money. The sense of entitlement vanished, and they knew they had to do the right thing. Guasti, a Mount Holyoke College graduate among the group, expressed their sentiment, saying, “Because we didn’t earn that money.”
Supported by their understanding parents, the students embarked on a quest to find the rightful owner of the discovered fortune. To avoid any potential theft, their parents advised them to keep the secret treasure hidden from others.
The Reunion: A Heartfelt Discovery
After weeks of diligent searching led by Werkhoven’s mother, they finally found the woman’s contact information in an old phone book. With his heart pounding, Werkhoven made the call, uncertain 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: A Lifetime of Secrets
The elderly woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared with 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, which resulted in several months of rehabilitation. 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: A Lesson in Kindness
Despite the temptation, the students felt no remorse in returning the money to its rightful owner. In fact, they even expressed a desire to go out to dinner with the woman and her family after their heartwarming reunion. Werkhoven shared his perspective, saying, “I think it’s just that anyone can do good if they will themselves to it.” One of the students, Russo, 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: A Touching Gesture of Gratitude
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: Doing What’s Right Matters
This incredible tale stands as a testament to the power of doing what’s right, even when faced with temptation. It serves as a heartwarming reminder that anyone can make a positive impact simply by willing themselves to do good.
So the next time you find yourself in a moral dilemma, ask yourself – would you act in the same manner? Let this extraordinary story inspire kindness and honesty and be sure to share it with your friends and family!
