All I Needed Was The Happy Ending

I’ve come to realize that the world is full of wonderful people who willingly give of their time, energy and resources even if it profits them nothing. For many, the only thanks they are looking for might be a happy ending! The events that unfolded for me yesterday beautifully highlight my point.

Last month my in-laws sent a birthday card to me here in Canada, from California, that strangely disappeared, until yesterday, when I received the email below. The subject heading read 'I received your birthday card'. Of course I read on, and here's what it revealed.

'Dear Elaine,
My name is Jayne and I live in a small town in the state of Maryland. I was on my way home from work Tuesday and stopped at the post office to pick up my mail. As I started opening the letters, I mistakenly opened a pink envelope to find a substantial amount of cash falling out. Unfortunately for me, it was not my mail, but a birthday card for you from your in-laws. (My P.O. Box is 413, just like yours. Different city and country however.)

I want to do the right thing and get this money to you as soon as possible. I'm sure your in-laws are beside themselves; I’m guessing they are older folks who might be worried sick about this. Admittedly, I must have trust issues, but with the economy the way it is these days, I did not want to give your birthday card and contents to a post office clerk. My father suggested I contact the postal inspector in our area but I decided to try the Internet first. To my amazement I was able to find your web page and an e-mail address.

I'm just stunned as to how this happened and why out of the millions of people in the country, I would end up with this card. Some things, I guess we'll never understand. I look forward to hearing from you and although I don't read my e-mails on a regular basis, you can bet I'll be glued to the computer for the next few days.

I hope you had a wonderful birthday and that this news makes it even better.'

Jayne’s actions have been so inspiring; reminding me of all the ‘Jayne’s’ that live in our community. These are the people who prefer to do the right thing even when it’s less beneficial to them. The ones who humbly consider the concerns of total strangers, above their own convenience and opportunity.

Interestingly, when I suggested that I'd like to send her a little 'thank you' for her trouble, in true Jayne-like fashion, she replied 'A little thank you isn't necessary. All I needed was the happy ending.'

It has been a happy ending indeed. Thank you, Jayne. I completely understand why, out of all the millions of people in the country this card came to you!

PS: When is your birthday?

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