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.

Boy Sees His Birthday Deliveries Planned for the Next 15 Years and Cries When He Finds Out Why – Story of the Day

Teenage boy Charlie struggles to understand why his peers receive expensive presents while he is left listening to his mother’s excuses. He discovers that his mother has prepared 15 gifts for his future birthdays. But after learning the reason behind it, he finally realizes what he truly wants.

Charlie, a 15-year-old with a backpack slung lazily over one shoulder, trudged out of school alongside his classmate Mark.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the parking lot, where students chattered and cars honked in a chaotic symphony.

“Did you hear? We’ve got another test on Friday,” Mark said, breaking the silence.

Charlie groaned, his shoulders slumping.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Oh no, not again! Is this the fourth test this week? School is exhausting…”

Mark smirked. “Don’t be so dramatic. It’s just studying. You always stress out before tests, but in the end, it all works out fine.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Charlie muttered, his eyes scanning the parking lot. His expression darkened as he frowned.

“My mom’s late again! How much longer do I have to wait?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Maybe something came up. Don’t be mad at her—she’s picking you up. You should be grateful,” Mark said with a shrug.

Charlie shot him a sideways glare.

“Yeah? I don’t see your mom’s car either. Are you super grateful that she’s late too?”

Mark chuckled softly and shook his head. “She won’t be picking me up anymore. My parents bought me a car for my birthday.”

Charlie stopped in his tracks, his jaw dropping.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What!? A car!? I’d be grateful too if someone got me a car!” he snapped, his voice laced with jealousy.

Mark shrugged again, calm as ever. “You should be grateful no matter what. She’s your mom. Anyway, see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah… bye,” Charlie mumbled, watching Mark stroll off toward the student lot.

As he stood there, stewing in frustration, a car horn blared from across the lot. Charlie spun around and saw his mom’s familiar car pulling up.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

With a sigh, he slung his backpack higher on his shoulder and jogged toward it, muttering under his breath. He opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat, his face already setting in a frown.

Alice, his mom, glanced over at him, her hands gripping the steering wheel.

“Sorry, sweetheart, I’m late again. I had to finish up a few things,” she said apologetically.

“You’re always late these days…” Charlie muttered, avoiding her gaze as he slumped further into his seat.

Alice sighed, keeping her voice calm.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I said I’m sorry. Now, tell me—how was your day?”

“Not great,” he replied shortly, his eyes fixed on the cars passing outside.

She glanced at him again, concern flickering across her face. “What happened?”

“Mark’s parents bought him a car for his birthday,” Charlie said flatly.

Alice smiled slightly, trying to lighten the mood.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“That’s wonderful! Did he give you a ride?”

Charlie turned to her, his expression incredulous.

“No. Mom, my birthday’s coming up soon. Can you get me a car?”

Alice’s hands tightened briefly on the wheel before she answered. “Sweetheart, I already have your gift planned. Maybe I can get you a car in a few years…”

“A few years!?” Charlie’s voice rose with frustration.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“So I have to wait while all my classmates drive around, and I look like an idiot?”

Alice exhaled and tried to keep her tone gentle as she said, “I know it’s hard, but I just can’t afford a gift like that right now.”

Charlie crossed his arms, his voice sharp. “Then return whatever gift you got and buy me a car!”

“I can’t do that, Charlie. I’m sorry,” she said firmly, though her voice was tinged with sadness.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He turned away, pressing his forehead against the window.

The hum of the engine filled the silence as Alice drove, glancing occasionally at her son, his disappointment weighing heavily on them both.

As she pulled into the driveway, the car came to a slow stop. She turned to Charlie, her face softening.

“Dinner’s in the fridge if you’re hungry. I have a few errands to run, but I won’t be long. Love you, sweetheart!”

“Yeah…” Charlie mumbled without meeting her eyes. He swung the car door open and headed into the house.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The door clicked shut behind him, and the silence of the empty house wrapped around him.

He dropped his backpack by the couch but didn’t bother to sit down. Something gnawed at the back of his mind—an itch he couldn’t ignore.

His mom had seemed calm, too calm, especially after their earlier argument. Why couldn’t she just tell him what she was up to?

His curiosity got the better of him. Quietly, he tiptoed into her bedroom, the air feeling heavier as if he were crossing an invisible line.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Sitting at her desk, he opened her laptop.

The screen glowed to life, and he hesitated for a moment before clicking on her email.

Most of it was unimportant—work notices, receipts, newsletters.

Then he spotted something unusual: an email confirming a delivery scheduled for his upcoming birthday.

His brow furrowed as he clicked it open.

His eyes widened. The delivery wasn’t a one-time thing. There were 14 more planned—one every year for the next 15 years.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What the…?” he muttered, his heart racing.

Confused and uneasy, he dug deeper, scrolling through her emails until he found an address for a storage unit.

Beneath a pile of papers in her drawer, he found a small key labeled with the same address.

His pulse quickened as he grabbed the key and headed out the door.

The storage unit loomed ahead, its metal door glinting faintly under the dull light of the parking lot.

Charlie unlocked it with trembling hands. As the door creaked open, he froze.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Inside, more than a dozen neatly wrapped gifts were arranged in a row.

They were all different sizes, some small enough to fit in his palm, others big enough to hold a bike.

Each was topped with a handwritten note in his mom’s familiar, looping script.

He stepped inside, the scent of cardboard and faint perfume hanging in the air. He picked up one note and read:

“Happy 17th birthday, sweetheart. I love you more than anything in the world. I hope you like this computer. Study hard!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

His throat tightened as he set the note back. Why had she done this?

He moved to the first gift, a small box with two notes attached. Pulling off the first, his breath caught as he began to read:

“My dear son, if you’re reading this, I may no longer be with you. For years, I’ve known I had cancer, and no treatment has worked. My time is limited, but I didn’t want your birthdays to feel empty after I’m gone.”

The words blurred as tears filled his eyes. He wiped his face, but the tears kept coming, spilling onto the paper.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“That’s why I prepared these gifts ahead of time. They may not always be exactly what you want, but please open one each birthday and know I love you. Always.”

Charlie let out a shaky breath as he clutched the note. His chest ached in a way he’d never felt before.

He looked around the storage unit, the gifts that suddenly felt so much more than just objects.

They were pieces of her love, her effort to stay with him even when she couldn’t.

He gently placed the note back, closed the door, and leaned against it for a moment.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

His heart was heavy, but it was full of something else too—a deeper understanding of what his mom had done for him.

The drive home was quiet. The world outside blurred, but his mind raced with emotions. He didn’t care about a car anymore.

What mattered now was something far greater.

Charlie stepped quietly into the living room, his shoes scuffing softly against the wooden floor.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

His mom, Alice, was perched on the couch, a book resting in her lap.

She was smiling faintly, her eyes scanning the pages, completely unaware of the emotional storm that had just swept over her son.

Charlie hesitated in the doorway, his chest rising and falling with uneven breaths. His eyes were red, swollen from crying, and his face held a mix of fear and heartbreak.

Alice looked up, her smile fading as she took in his expression. Alarm spread across her face.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Charlie! What’s wrong? Where were you?” she asked, setting the book aside and leaning forward.

“Mom!” he choked out, his voice breaking as he rushed across the room. He threw his arms around her, clinging to her tightly.

“Sweetheart, tell me what’s going on,” she said, her voice soft but urgent. She stroked his back gently, trying to calm him. “How can I help?”

Charlie pulled back slightly, his hands trembling as he wiped at his face.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I know, Mom. I went to the storage unit,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Alice stiffened, her eyes widening.

“What? Why? What were you doing there?” she asked, a hint of panic creeping into her tone.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Charlie cried, his voice breaking again.

“Isn’t there anything we can do?”

Alice took a deep breath, her lips quivering.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“There’s nothing, Charlie. I’m so sorry,” she said, tears brimming in her eyes.

“No, Mom, I’m sorry,” he said quickly, shaking his head.

“I’ve been such a terrible son. I don’t need a car or any gifts. None of that matters. I just want you to be with me.”

“Charlie…” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

“Please, Mom,” he begged, his voice desperate.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I want to spend as much time with you as I can. I love you!”

Alice pulled him close again, her own tears spilling over now.

“I love you too, sweetheart,” she said, her voice breaking as she held him tightly.

The room was quiet except for their soft cries, their embrace a fragile but powerful moment of love and understanding.

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Every man reaches a moment when he wants to settle down and have a loving family. But not Henry—he was convinced he would stay single forever, believing it was the better life for him. However, a day spent with his nine-year-old niece makes him realize the true reason behind his life choices.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers 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.

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