For many teenagers summer often means a break from studies and a switch to paid work to save up for a special purchase.
Karden Devenish had his eye on a special trip with family and wanted to make sure he had his own spending money so he could properly enjoy his vacation.
The hard-working 13 year old had spent his summer mowing lawns and pulling weeds to get enough money together to go deep sea fishing with his uncles.
But a trip to the arcade one day led to an event that would change his summer and undo all of his hard work.
Karden, 13, had gone to the arcade for the day with his friend taking his wallet containing the $80 he had saved up, along with his fishing license. Unfortunately, Karden lost his wallet there.
Karden was understandably upset after working so hard to save the money. He told his parents and his mom Megan Thomas Devenish posted a detailed description of the wallet and an appeal for help in finding it on social media. She posted:
“We are chalking this up as a life lesson.. (a very expensive lesson, but a lesson no less) to ALWAYS be honest and turn In things that are not yours… so others don’t have to feel like you do right now… and only take only what money you’re going to spend … No judgement and a whole lot of praise will be given… would like to show him a even better lesson… that there is good in the world!!”
So when Megan received a call from someone with the arcade, she was stunned, but disappointed. It turned out the wallet had not been returned. But what she was told was so shocking and such great news. A complete stranger had left behind a note along with $120 just for Karden. The note read:
“Friend,
Buy a new wallet, fishing licensing and have fun. I read what happened on Facebook, and had the same thing happen when I was younger. Good luck.”
The note also contained a bit of prompting for Karden to pay it forward in case his wallet was found. It said:
“PS – If your wallet was returned, pay it forward with this”
Megan shared a follow-up with everyone on Facebook. Even though Karden’s wallet, fishing license, and $80 were gone but replaceable, their faith in humanity was restored.
“Someone we don’t know and that had seen this post took the time and their hard earned money to drop off $120 and a note that he can now buy a new wallet and replace his fishing license and the money he lost… I’m speechless and have tears streaming down my face… we live in an amazing community… this is truly a lesson we will never forget…we will pay it forward. Thank you, thank you whomever you are!!”
What an amazing gesture from a complete stranger! There is so much good in the world. Please share this story if you agree!
