Woman Finds Wallet with 60-Year-Old Letter inside and Decides to Seek the Owner — Story of the Day

A woman came across a wallet while sweeping the street and decided to track its owner and return it. The events that followed were intriguing, to say the least.

Sandra was a young woman whose fate had never been on her side. She had been orphaned at a young age and had lost her family in a car accident, leaving her traumatized for a long time.

As time went on, she somehow sympathized with her destiny and started looking for means to support herself. But sadly, the only job that she could manage to get was that of a street sweeper. The job didn’t pay well, but she could at least afford a place to live and three meals a day.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

As Sandra started cleaning the road one day, she saw a wallet lying at the edge of the road. Out of curiosity, she stopped sweeping and began investigating its contents. She discovered that the wallet was mostly empty, with only a few dollars and a letter that appeared to have been read several times a day for years.

On the torn envelope of the letter, everything was blurred out except for the return address. She cautiously opened it, taking care not to tear the delicate paper, and discovered that it had been written in 1959. A 60-year-old letter? It must have been quite special to the owner, she wondered.

Some words in the letter had faded, but Sandra could thankfully read most of it.

“Dear Lewis,” the letter began. “My mother forbade me to meet and said that you and I could not be together, but I want you to know that I love you. Love, Nancy Ar…” Unfortunately, the paper was torn at the edge, and Sandra could not read it.

Thinking that it was pretty special for its owner, Sandra decided to track him down and return it. She went to the phone exchange operator to inquire about the phone number indicated with the return address and was soon connected to someone who lived there.

“Hello, my name is Sandra. May I speak to Nancy?”

“I’m sorry but no one by the name of Nancy lives here,” the woman on the line replied.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

“Actually, maybe you can help me. I found a wallet and wanted to return it to its owner. There was a letter inside the wallet and I got this phone number from the return address on the letter, so I assumed the person who wrote the letter lived there.” Sandra explained. “The woman’s name is Nancy.”

“Are you talking about Nancy Arnolds?” the woman inquired.

“Well, I’m not sure if her last name is Arnolds, but I think it’s her. Do you have her contact information or know where I might be able to find her?” Sandra inquired.

“Actually, we bought the house from her mother 20 years ago. She was staying at a nursing home then. If you want, I can give you the nursing home’s contact number; you can write it down.”

Sandra thanked the woman and immediately called the nursing home. There she was informed that Nancy’s mother had passed away, but her daughter was still alive and staying there.

Sandra quickly hired a cab and headed to the location. When she met Nancy and showed her the letter she had found, Nancy’s eyes welled up. “I can’t believe he has kept it safe until now. By the way, where did you find this?”

“Well, it was inside the wallet I found on the road. By any chance, do you recognize this?” Sandra showed the wallet.

“I don’t know about the wallet, but this letter, I wrote the letter for Lewis — Lewis Duncan,” Nancy said. “We met in college, and I wanted to marry him and start a family, but my mother was against it because, just like my father, Lewis was not well off. After my mom married my father, he began living off my mother’s wealth, and when mom objected, he threatened that he would harm me.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Unsplash

“Mom resisted for a long time and then divorced him. Sadly, she never had a happy married life, and she feared the same would happen to me. As a result, she despised Lewis and my relationship. But if you find him, please let him know that I still love him and never married. I always hoped he’d come and find me, and I am still waiting.” Nancy burst into tears as she finished.

Sandra consoled her and promised she would find Lewis, but deep down, she was scared that wouldn’t happen. Nancy was the only way Sandra could contact him, but Nancy had no idea about him because she hadn’t seen him since she was transferred to the nursing home.

Dejected, Sandra left the nursing home and decided to drop the wallet at the police station, but as she stepped outside, the security guard interrupted her. “Are you Nancy’s relative?”

“No, actually…” Sandra began speaking when the guard interrupted her again. “Wait, isn’t that Mr. Duncan’s wallet?”

Sandra was taken aback. “Yes, it is! Do you know him?”

“Yes, he lives in the building next to the nursing home,” the guard replied. “The man is pretty old and keeps misplacing his wallet. Actually, don’t tell Nancy, but he frequently visits just to see her. That’s how I know him.”

Sandra’s happiness knew no bounds when she heard that, she went to Mr. Duncan and returned the wallet. He was glad that the letter was safe.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

“I’m sorry, Mr. Duncan, but I read that letter,” Sandra admitted shyly. “And I have a question if you don’t mind me asking.”

Mr. Duncan smiled warmly at her. “Ask anything, young lady. You returned the most valuable item to me. I don’t mind if the wallet was lost, but the letter is very close to my heart.”

“Then why don’t you meet Miss Arnolds? The guard told me everything. She couldn’t stop crying when she saw the letter. Do you know that she never married and has been waiting for the day she’ll meet you again?”

Mr. Duncan’s eyes almost welled up. He said he was devastated when he received this letter and resolved that he would never marry anyone because he loved Nancy. However, he had no idea that Nancy wasn’t married either.

Sandra took him to her and left them alone for a while. They cried and hugged, and Sandra’s eyes welled up when she saw them like that. It brought back memories of how she and her husband Edward met. She sobbed as she walked out of the nursing home.

A year later, she received a wedding invitation. It was an invite to Nancy and Lewis’ wedding.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

What can we learn from this story?

  • Matches are made in heaven. Nancy and Lewis were destined to be together, and that is exactly what happened.
  • Some accidents are beautiful. Sandra found the wallet accidentally and returned it to the owner. Eventually, it led to the reunion of two lovers.

Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a homeless woman who found $1 million in a trash can.

This account is inspired by our reader’s story and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

My Son and His Pregnant Girlfriend Demanded That I Change My Newborn Daughter’s Name

Becoming a mom to a second child decades after my first one was meant to be positively life-changing. But my son announced he was expecting a child too, and that’s where our clashes began! His pregnant girlfriend threw tantrums making demands I wasn’t willing to accommodate!

An unhappy pregnant woman lying in a hospital bed | Source: Freepik

An unhappy pregnant woman lying in a hospital bed | Source: Freepik

My son, Kyle, was born when I was 20 and still a child myself, but I think I did the best for him as a parent.

This year was supposed to be one of joyful experiences. First, at forty-two, 22 years after welcoming Kyle, I chose to become a mother for the second time! The second happy thing that happened also left ME shocked!

A happy pregnant woman looking at herself in a mirror | Source: Pexels

A happy pregnant woman looking at herself in a mirror | Source: Pexels

Kyle, who was in his final year of college, broke the news of his girlfriend’s pregnancy when I was four months along! I hadn’t expected that before the year was out I’d become a mother and soon afterward, a grandmother!

I am not going to lie, but I wasn’t very thrilled about my son becoming a parent at a young age like me. From my own experiences, which include being a single parent, bringing up a baby when you’re still pretty much one is HARD.

But, I refrained from saying anything because Kyle seemed excited.

A young pregnant couple | Source: Pexels

A young pregnant couple | Source: Pexels

“That’s amazing, Kyle! I can’t believe you’re going to be a father!” I exclaimed, hugging him. “Thanks, Mom! Well, you’re going to be a first-time grandmother!” he replied, returning the warm embrace.

“Our children are going to be born a few months apart!” I realized this as we discussed the matter further.

Despite the initial shock, I embraced my new role. I started supporting them both emotionally and with a lot of financial help. Our lives, already intertwined, were about to grow even closer—or so I thought.

A worried woman | Source: Pexels

A worried woman | Source: Pexels

The tension began when I recently gave birth to my beautiful baby girl. Kyle and his girlfriend, Sarah, were some of the people who visited me in the hospital. “Congratulations! You’re now a parent to two gorgeous children!” Kyle said as he tied down balloons and his girlfriend gave me flowers.

“Aw! Thanks for coming through, guys. The flowers and balloons are lovely!” Luck was on their side because right at that moment, the nurse wheeled in my baby girl for me to feed her. “What is my baby sister’s name?” my son asked while touching her tiny fist.

A happy woman cradling her newborn baby | Source: Getty Images

A happy woman cradling her newborn baby | Source: Getty Images

“I named her Clara,” I proudly told them. The name held sentimental value to me and it was one I thought would usher in a new chapter for our growing family. But, Kyle and his girlfriend had other ideas!

When they found out her name, my son’s girlfriend gave out a piercing scream! I swear, I thought I had become deaf! My baby girl broke out in her own bawl, frightened by the unexpected sound!

I held my precious bundle close to me and tried to comfort her.

An upset woman screaming | Source: Pexels

An upset woman screaming | Source: Pexels

Their visit to the hospital should have been a happy occasion, but it dissolved into chaos! The nurse came rushing back in, concerned about baby Clara. Sarah had screamed so loudly that I feared for the hospital’s windows!

Their demand was immediate and absurd: I was to change Clara’s name. “The point is, this name…” Kyle tried to argue, his face red with frustration. The nurse, realizing that some serious drama was about to unfold, asked:

“Can I take Cla… I mean, the baby back? I’ll bring her in again later when things are calmer.”

A nurse holding a baby | Source: Getty Images

A nurse holding a baby | Source: Getty Images

With my newborn safe from the spectacle that was unfolding, I stood firm as I said “NO,” the weight of my decision unequivocal. Sarah tried saying something but Kyle grabbed hold of her arm.

They stormed out of the hospital, leaving a wake of bewildered nurses and a very tired new mom.

A couple walking away together | Source: Freepik

A couple walking away together | Source: Freepik

Days turned into weeks, and the issue seemed to simmer down. Yet, Kyle and Sarah announced they had chosen a new name for their daughter: Paxtyn. The name fell flat between us during a tense family dinner. My unintentional grimace set off a firestorm.

“It’s your fault!” Sarah accused, her voice sharp with resentment. “You stole the only name I liked, and now you ruin this one too!”

“Could you please stop shouting? My baby is trying to sleep in the other room,” I implored her.

An unhappy couple at a dinner | Source: Pexels

An unhappy couple at a dinner | Source: Pexels

Kyle, caught between us, tried to mend fences. “Mom, could you reconsider it? Just to keep peace?” His eyes pleaded for some compromise.

But the idea of changing my daughter’s name to appease them felt wrong. “I cannot believe you’d ask me to rename my child,” I told him, the absurdity of the situation not lost on me. “Firstly, my baby came before your child.”

“Secondly, you guys NEVER mentioned wanting to name your child that.”

Let me tell you, that dinner ended then and there as we couldn’t reach a compromise.

A woman arguing with someone | Source: Pexels

A woman arguing with someone | Source: Pexels

Their threats escalated over the next few days. “You have two months to fix this,” Kyle warned over the phone.

It seemed he was implying that by the time their child was born, I should’ve changed my daughter’s name. Sarah grabbed hold of the phone. She said, “We’ll call your granddaughter Paxtyn and I’ll enjoy it when I tell my friends her ridiculous name!”

An upset woman talking on the phone | Source: Pixabay

An upset woman talking on the phone | Source: Pixabay

I couldn’t believe this young woman’s nerve! She was saying she hates ME more than she loves HER daughter. “You’re willing to have her ridiculed for the rest of her life to punish ME?” I asked incredulously.

When my son snatched the phone back, I questioned if he even liked the name Paxtyn, and he hung up!

A man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels

A man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels

In a moment of exasperation, I texted Sarah, trying perhaps foolishly to extend an olive branch. “I’ve been thinking about it, and I kind of like the name Paxtyn,” I lied.

Her response was swift and venomous. “To hell with you!”

That text ended not only the conversation but also my financial help to them. It was a harsh line to draw, but necessary for my sanity and respect. I refused to be blackmailed over a name, especially one that meant so much to me.

A woman texting on her phone in her bedroom | Source: Pexels

A woman texting on her phone in her bedroom | Source: Pexels

In the quiet that followed, I held Clara close. Her innocent eyes are wide and uncomprehending of the adult complexities swirling around her. I whispered promises of love and protection, a vow to keep her world as pure and joyful as possible.

As for Kyle and Sarah, the distance between us grew. They chose to keep the name Paxtyn, a constant reminder of the rift. Yet, despite the heartache, I remain hopeful. Time, I believe, heals and teaches in equal measure.

A young couple with their child | Source: Pexels

A young couple with their child | Source: Pexels

Someday, they might understand why I had to stand my ground. For now, I focus on Clara, my unexpected blessing, and let the storm of that year slowly fade into memory.

A woman holding her baby at the beach | Source: Pexels

A woman holding her baby at the beach | Source: Pexels

Kyle’s mother had to put her foot down and some boundaries but things didn’t end well in her relationship with her son. Unfortunately, Ella had a similar situation with her daughter, but she fell pregnant. The pregnant daughter ended up breaking her mother’s trust, causing a strain between them.

Am I a Bad Mother for Kicking My Pregnant Daughter Out?

Hi, I’m Ella, and I’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster lately. I’m a single mom to my 19-year-old daughter, Rose, who’s been dating Nathan, a guy I surprisingly warmed up to, considering I’m pretty guarded.

A young and happy couple | Source: Pexels

A young and happy couple | Source: Pexels

They seemed perfect together until one day Rose dropped a bombshell—she was pregnant and engaged to Nathan. Just as I was wrapping my head around becoming a grandmother and accepting their future together, my world turned upside down!

I came home early one day, expecting a quiet afternoon, only to find Rose in a compromising situation with another man! The heartbreak and betrayal I felt at that moment were overwhelming. I asked the stranger to leave immediately and confronted Rose.

A couple caught in bed together | Source: Freepik

A couple caught in bed together | Source: Freepik

Her tearful pleas and explanations did little to calm the storm inside me. In a moment of hurt and anger, I told her she needed to leave our home. Now, I’m left questioning everything. Should I tell Nathan about what happened?

Did I overreact by asking Rose to leave? I’m torn between my love for my daughter and the betrayal I feel. What would you do in my shoes?

An upset woman thinking about something | Source: Getty Images

An upset woman thinking about something | Source: Getty Images

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