Good deeds truly do bring good rewards in return! Such is the case in the state of Connecticut, where a homeless man named Elmer Alvarez found a $10,000 check on the street one day. Despite his impoverished circumstances, he thought to himself: “I was only thinking about how that person must have felt. I could sense the desperation!” So instead of keeping this money to improve his situation, he quickly asked a friend for help, tracked down the issuing company, and eventually got in touch with the company’s owner through customer service.
On the other end of the call was Roberta Hoskie, the founder and owner of a real estate company. When she answered the call, she realized she had lost an important check. Roberta was stunned that someone would be that honest and go out of their way to return the cheque.
She arranged to meet Elmer in person
Upon meeting, Roberta was surprised to learn that Elmer was homeless. As they started chatting, she asked him: “Are you working or going to school right now?” Shaking his head, he replied: “I’m trying hard to get my life back on track.” Deeply moved by his response, Roberta boldly declared: “I can help you!” She had made up her mind to help the homeless man get his life back on track. Initially, she presented him with a check to help him with living essentials and then offered him a free real estate course at the school she had founded. At the same time, she arranged suitable accommodation and employment so he could earn a living while attending classes.
He believed he was doing the right thing
Alvarez said he had never expected any reward — he believed he was doing the right thing. He was overwhelmed by everything he received and couldn’t hold back his tears, exclaiming emotionally: “Thank God!” Roberta’s willingness to help Elmer came from personal experience — she knew how difficult it was to live on the streets. At the age of 17, she was homeless and pregnant, relying on welfare to survive. But through relentless effort and learning, she eventually became a successful real estate professional.
In the end, she even presented him with a certificate honoring his honesty and encouraged him with these words: “Whatever you’re going through, it’s only temporary — keep doing the right thing.” She further expressed her hope that society would have more kind-hearted people like Elmer, and in the future, when he finds success, he’ll reach out to help others in need.
Two genuine souls
One who returned what wasn’t his and the other who stepped up to lend a hand — both shining exemplars of goodness and worth learning from.
Translated by Cecilia and edited by Maria Meyer
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