I was sleeping late when Micah came in from a run and whispered to me that he had found a lost wallet during his run and since he was leaving in the morning — he wanted me to return it to the owner.  When I woke up, I searched through it and found it full of stuff.  There was a card that had a number on it, so I called.  It appeared to be to some sort of counseling service, and when I spoke to someone there, I asked if they would contact “John Stephens” and have him call me.  At the end of the call, I asked out of curiosity what type of counseling they offered.  I didn’t ask to be nosy — I was just interested in why this 23 year old guy had his car registration, social security card, cash, driver’s license, numerous other things — and a signed medical release to obtain medical marijuana because he had “anxiety disorder”.  And come to find out — the number I called was a counseling service that aided in temporary rental housing and food bank assistance.  I concluded that this was a young kid that was in a tight spot.
When I got the call from him, I told him I had his wallet, and he just emotionally said, “You’re and angel….you’re an angel.”  He then asked, “Is there any money in it?”  I told him there was, and he asked if I would count it.  I told him there was $113.00 and he then more emotionally exclaimed, “You’re and angel” about six times.  I was happy for him, but it really seemed like he was completely down and out without his wallet.  Especially when he said, “Thank you SO much, that is all the money I have for the next three months.”
We spoke some more, and I had something tugging on me, so I finally said, “Hey listen John….I was going through your wallet to try and get in contact with you.  When I did, I came across this medical marijuana card.  It seems like you are having a really tough time in life right now.  Do you think that has something to do with it?”
He said, “That’s just in there in case I needed things to be legal.  I quit a while ago.”
Who knows how accurate the second sentence is.  I am sure the first is completely accurate.  That being said, I then told him, “I personally know a few people who are in similar situations that you are in.  One in particular was like you when he was 23.  He never changed his ways, and now — at 33, he is still the same way.  You are young, with a whole life ahead of you.  Change it now.”

We decided a time a place to meet up later that morning.  (But the whole time I wanted to get in that wallet and rip that card up.  Obviously I didn’t, because it wasn’t my place to do so.  But it tugged at me.)
When we met up, I walked up and put out my hand.  I gave him the wallet, and he was SO excited to see it all in one piece.  Then he paused uncomfortably long and said, “Can I give you a reward.”  (I knew it must have killed him to think he might have to part with any of his money, and thought it was really nice he even offered.)  I said, “No…I was happy to do it.”  But then I said, “Actually John, you could give me a reward — you could tear up that card.”  He immediately said, “I could do that” as he got it out and ripped it up in front of my face.  I was so happy.  Not for any other reason than I really hope he stays away from drugs to better his life, and this might be a step in the right direction.

As he ripped it up into pieces, and I felt a little relief, I did something I wanted to do anyway.  I said, “John…that was the best reward ever.  I wanted to give this to you regardless, but that sure made it a lot easier.”  And then I gave him forty bucks.   He was thrilled, and just kept saying that this whole thing was a miracle.  After that, I reiterated that he seemed like a really nice guy and that he could have a great life if he chose to do so.  He told me he has already gotten his name into temp agencies and done a few other things to try to get started.
Who knows what will come of it all, but I am crossing my fingers that him losing his wallet will have been a miracle in his life.