I know the pain and anguish of losing a wallet far too well…and more than once. That’s why, when I found a wallet at the movies this past Saturday night, I knew I had to get it back to its rightful owner safely and intact. (Looking for contact information, I noticed it was full of the usual contents — cash, credit cards, gift cards and other personal information. I knew Jennifer must be sick to her stomach at losing it.) Given it was a late night movie, by the time we headed out the door, the theater was closed — no one at the concession stand, box office or customer service counter. Being optimistic, I figured I would track her down on social media the next morning. (Isn’t that how we contact people nowadays?) However, no such luck. Knowing she was probably frantic, I decided to head out to the address on her driver’s license in Wheat Ridge Sunday morning. (I live in Southeast Denver, so it was not a quick jaunt. Did I mention that I’m directionally-challenged with no smartphone to guide me?) After getting lost for almost an hour, I finally found her home. My persistence paid off, after knocking on the door and ringing the door bell numerous times. An angry woman answered the door with, “What do you want?” Sheepishly, I asked, “Did you lose a wallet at the movies?” The look on her face immediately went from frustrated to relieved. The tight hug she gave me and heartfelt thank you was all the reward I needed (or wanted.) She never expected to see the wallet again, so I was grateful I could renew her goodwill in others. If I had just left the lost wallet on the customer service counter or mailed it, I would have always wondered if she received it safely. (I strive to live by the “if-it-were-mine rule.” As in, if it were my wallet, I would hope someone would do the right thing.)
I don’t share the story to highlight my “good deed” or elicit any praise, but to remind all of us about the importance of looking out for one another in big and small ways. A kind gesture doesn’t have to be as grand as personally returning someone’s wallet, but maybe in opening the door for someone, smiling at the check-out clerk (and putting down your smartphone) or not being so quick to honk your horn (or offer any hand gestures) at the driver in front of you. We all have small choices every day in how we treat each other and, collectively, they can have a huge impact on the world around us. I’m just hopeful the next time I lose my wallet or coupons (yes, it will happen again) that whoever finds it will take extra care in getting it back to me. So far, every time I’ve lost anything valuable, I’ve never been fortunate enough to have someone turn it in to lost and found or return it to me. However, I still believe in the kindness of strangers, even though it’s hard to find some days. Have you ever gone the extra mile for a stranger or been surprised by the kindness of one?