MANSFIELD — A Massachusetts family says their hearts were touched by a surprising act of kindness. They didn’t know rare coins were mixed in with an item they were selling at a yard sale until they returned with a note.
It was an emotional year for the Spiewakowskis, who moved their elderly father from his home in Dudley and sold the house and much of his possessions.
“It was fun because my brothers and I got to spend some time together in the house and reminisce a lot,” son Steve Spiewakowski said of the estate sales.
But they will never forget what they gained by giving something away.
“We never would have known. We didn’t know that stuff was in there and we never would have missed it,” he said.
CBS Boston
A shopper at a flea market paid $6 for a box of costume jewelry. Days later, the shopper tracked down the family through their real estate agent.
“I don’t remember seeing this,” Steve said, holding the box of coins. “This is what he put in the mailbox. He said they were worth over $200. I don’t know what the value of these coins is.”
A note left behind
Even more touching than the return of the items were the words that accompanied them. The customer had also left a note.
“I just wanted to share with you a quote that has led me to a richer life,” Steve read from the letter. “Beware of excessive concern for money, position or glory. Someday you will meet a man who cares for none of these things. Then you will know how poor you are. Kipling. He signs off. Take care of yourself, Mike.”
The family has never met Mike and knows only that he is a collector — someone to whom the coins might be even more attractive. But his honesty is more precious than silver.
“They’re the heroes of the world. They’re doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do,” Steve said. “People can be so mean to each other. We forget how kind people can be. I hope he knows what a huge impact he’s had on a family who’s been struggling with their dad’s stuff for the past year. It’s made a huge difference for us.”
July McDonald
