Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Sunday 29 December |
Saint of the Day: Holy Family
Aleteia logo
Inspiring Stories
separateurCreated with Sketch.

A mysterious note from a boy tells a story of heartbreak and forgiveness

WEB3-CHRISTINA-REITZ-STORY-ONLY-LETTER-BILL-Chrissy-Marie-via-Facebook

Chrissy Marie via Facebook

Zelda Caldwell - published on 03/21/17

She took to social media to find "Jake," who said her wind chimes reminded him and his sister of their mother who had died.

Help Aleteia continue its mission by making a tax-deductible donation. In this way, Aleteia's future will be yours as well.

Donate with just 3 clicks

*Your donation is tax deductible!

Christina Reitz of Lakewood, Washington, says that she since her story went viral she has found “Jake,” the author of a note left on her door.

Reitz took to Facebook last week after finding a note from Jake, confessing to stealing a set of wind chimes decorated with butterflies because, he said, it reminded his sister of their mother who had died.

Included with the note was a $5 bill with the explanation, “I’m sorry. This is the only money I have. Please do not be mad.”

Reitz told a local Facebook group that she wanted to give Jake his money back, and give him his own wind chime as a reminder of the children’s mother.

According to a report on King5.com, Reitz said, “It’s not right that he stole, or his sister stole,” Reitz said. “I’m not sure which one it is, but he did try to make things right and I do forgive him. I’m not going to hold a grudge for a wind chime that was a dollar.”

Reitz said that she knew what it was like to lose a parent.

“I lost my mom when I was five and my dad just almost six years ago. It’s just hard at any age. People grieve in different ways,” she said.

She said that the family chooses to remain anonymous, but that they have been in touch and hope to meet in person soon.

Tags:
Suffering
Aleteia exists thanks to your donations

Help us to continue our mission of sharing Christian news and inspiring stories. Please make a donation today! Take advantage of the end of the year to get a tax deduction for 2024.

2025-Aleteia-Pilgrimage-300×250-1.png
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.