Each of us goes through a difficult phase at times. We seek help from friends and family, from a higher power, or simply hope that someone will help us or send us a sign.
Howard Kirby has been through a divorce, family tragedy and health crisis in recent years. Kirby, a recent retiree from Michigan, just bought a man cave couch from Habitat to restore humanity.
Most houses usually have one or more benches where everything can be hidden. Who hasn’t cleaned up their couch and discovered chocolate, snacks, remote controls and old coins?
But Howard Kirby discovered something unexpected…
He noticed his couch was uncomfortable for a while, but ignored it. Finally, he and his family took a look.
He told WNEM, “I still have to pressure myself to make sure I’m not dreaming or something.”
Kirby discovered $43,170 in the ottoman and was under no legal obligation to return it. As a divorced man he was lucky for some time and money could have helped him a lot. He lost his kidney, lost a loved one to cancer and his son also lost his job.
Kirby, a born-again Christian, thought it was inappropriate to keep the money, even though he could have used it for a new roof.
Instead, the altruistic man called the store, found the bank donor, and returned all the money.
“The Christ in me, as a born-again Christian, is the one that really made the money back,” Kirby explains. “Remember the bracelets, WWJD?” That’s what Jesus will do.”
“For me, that’s the person who says, ‘I’m just going to do the right thing,’ regardless of what they’re going through — and despite their personal needs,” said Executive Director Rick Merling.
Kirby got help from his neighborhood.
Kirby has received many offers of help since his community learned of his good work.
“People want to do something for me because I did something right.” Kirby stated, “There is much, much joy.”
The Newberry family plans to reward Kirby by returning the money to its rightful owner, Kim Newberry. They’ve agreed to fix the roof on his house, but have to do things differently since Kirby’s roof was replaced by Habitat for Humanity and a local construction company.
“I don’t know how to explain it, I’m lucky,” Kirby told M Live. “I am very grateful.”
Kirby has also been the subject of a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised more than $5,000 to date.
“I am very grateful.” Because I did, I experienced so much peace and joy that $43,000 couldn’t buy that kind of joy, serenity, or happiness.”
Kirby is a role model! When he had no obligations and could spend the money on himself and his family, he returned thousands of dollars.
Share his experiences with others to encourage them.