Lost and Found

Strolling through our local grocery store earlier today minding my own business I spotted a couple of bank notes totaling $60 laying on the floor right in front of me. A quick look around to see if there was anybody nearby that may have dropped their loot I noticed a man loading his shopping basket but with his back to me.  I was about to ask him if he had dropped some money but decided against doing so.  The reason was - in my mind at least - obvious. Of course he will claim it, even if he was not the rightful owner, so I picked up the cash and moved on.

 Debating what to do next, I went over to the service counter and explained the situation to the young man behind the desk.  I asked him to keep an eye out for anybody looking like they had lost some money and that I would stick around for a bit so that I could return it.  I did not tell him how much it was or what the denominations were.  He agreed but said that if nobody came forward I am welcome to keep it.

While I kept my distance from the checkouts I kept an eye on each person when I noticed a young guy (not the same man that was near to where I picked up the money) pacing up and down the isles looking distressed.  He had just left his wife and kids at the checkout who were looking equally distressed.  Stopping him in the isle, I asked if he was looking for something - "Yes", he replied, "I dropped some money". "How much?" "About $50 or so".  I handed him the cash and wished him a good day.  The look on his face was unbelievable as he all but gave me a big hug.

Thinking back, this could have gone in a number of different directions but I was so excited to be a part of doing the right thing and in the process ensuring that the money was returned to the right person.  I just wished that I was able to meet up with him later and explain why I choose to return the money rather than keep it for myself but he had already left.

It is always a good feeling doing the right thing.