An elderly woman, working as a cleaner long after her retirement, finds herself amazed when she discovers an unexpected fortune in her bank account.
Imagine spending your golden years alone and with hardly any money to your name. Lucy, now at 67 years old, had once been a diligent mid-level administrator in a major Mid-Western company, working tirelessly her whole life.
But as life would have it, just before her retirement, Lucy and her colleagues found out that their company’s retirement fund had vanished. Her visions of a peaceful, financially secure retirement vanished into thin air.
Forced into retirement by the company closing its doors just days before her 65th birthday, Lucy had no option but to find work. Her search led her to a job as a cleaner at the local college, a humbling but necessary step.
Despite the hardship, Lucy was the type not to dwell on misfortunes or life’s injustices. She adjusted and got on with her life, taking pride in her new job and doing it with diligence.
In the years she worked as a cleaner in the college dorms, Lucy had become something of an unofficial college grandma.
Whenever the students needed comfort or a listening ear, Lucy was the one they turned to. A new student having trouble adjusting? Lucy made sure they felt welcomed and at ease.
There was one particularly harsh winter when a nasty flu put several dorm kids in bed for days.
Without hesitation, Lucy would come by after hours with a steaming thermos of chicken soup and care for them all. She played the role of a mother, offering hot tea and toast, bringing orange juice, and ensuring they had the warmth of company during difficult times.
For many students, far from the comfort of their homes for the first time, Lucy was indeed a blessing. Her cheerful presence and motherly humor helped ease their loneliness and fears.
Don’t despair; life can surprise you in wonderful ways.
“Hey, Grandma Lucy,” shouted Matthew, a student just recovering from the flu. “Your chicken soup works wonders! I bet your own kids are really lucky to have you.”
To Matthew’s surprise, Lucy’s eyes glistened with tears, and her bright smile faded. “Oh, I only have one daughter, and she lives 3,000 miles away in Arizona,” she said.
“But it’s almost Thanksgiving,” Matthew said, puzzled. “Surely you’ll visit her soon, right?”
Yet, Matthew’s words did little to comfort Lucy. With a hand over her mouth, she hurried out of the dorm, returning about an hour later with puffy, red eyes. She had clearly been crying.
Matthew, noticing her distress, gently asked, “Please, Lucy, tell me what’s troubling you. You’ve always been a great friend to me. Remember when I was too scared to talk to my dad about changing courses? Let me be there for you as you were for me.”
Lucy sat at Matthew’s bedside and quietly shared her sorrow. “I’m so sorry,” she started, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I haven’t seen my daughter in over three years.”
She explained that she couldn’t afford the trip, nor could her daughter manage to pay for her. With two young children and an unemployed husband, her daughter needed help she couldn’t provide.
Matthew listened intently, holding Lucy’s hand as she recounted losing her savings and pension to a scam, which forced her to keep working.
“Remember, Lucy,” Matthew said gently, “you told me when I was down that life surprises us, even in difficult times. I believed you then, and now it’s your turn.”
Leaving Matthew’s room, Lucy felt a glimmer of reassurance. As she was departing the dorm, she noticed a second-year student, Liz, sitting on the steps, tears streaming down her face, clutching a crumpled letter.
“Liz!” Lucy exclaimed, instantly forgetting her own troubles. “What’s the matter, dear?”
“Oh, Gran Lucy,” Liz sobbed. “I have to drop out of college. My scholarship only covers most of my expenses, and the bank rejected my student loan application. My parents are struggling, and they can’t help me either.”
“Oh, my dear,” Lucy comforted, wrapping an arm around Liz’s shoulders. “And you’re doing so well! When do you need the money?”
“Not until September,” Liz replied, her voice trembling. “But I can’t see how I can come up with $15,000!”
“Well,” Lucy said, her tone firm yet encouraging, “no more crying, Liz. Keep your chin up! As I always say, life has its surprises!”
And Lucy’s words resonated, for at that very same time, Matthew was at his computer. He had a wonderful idea and was convinced his fellow students would jump at the chance to help create a miracle.
Two months later, when Lucy visited the ATM to withdraw her salary, she was in for the surprise of her life. Her bank account balance showed $364,563.
Lucy squinted in disbelief and immediately went to the bank, requesting a statement. It confirmed the amount: $364,563, all in her name.
“This must be a mistake!” Lucy told the bank teller. “That can’t be my money!”
“A Mr. Matthew deposited the money three days ago,” the teller informed her. With her mind racing, Lucy rushed out to find him.
Finding Matthew chatting with a friend at the dorm, Lucy called out, “Matthew! What’s going on?”
Matthew approached with a broad grin. “I see you’ve been to the bank…”
“But…but…how did you manage all that money?” Lucy stuttered, overwhelmed.
Matthew playfully winked at her. “It’s magic! We launched a Go-Fund-Me page, and every student here, as well as their families, were eager to show you how much you mean to them. $363,000 worth! Now you can visit your daughter, help her, or even move to Arizona to be with her.”
Lucy, her eyes moist with gratitude, laughed through her tears. “You wonderful, crazy kids!” she exclaimed. But even as she hugged Matthew in thanks, her thoughts were elsewhere.
Maybe, just maybe, this unexpected blessing could be used for someone else’s miracle. The following day, Lucy went to Liz’s room and presented her with a check for $20,000.
“Consider it your part of my good fortune,” Lucy told her. “You see, when life offers you a lovely surprise, it’s only right to share some of that joy…”
Reflect on this charming tale and its valuable lesson—sometimes life can truly take you by surprise in heartwarming ways.
