This is pretty cool... You hope it never happens, but groceries and convenience stores have to face the reality that getting robbed is a possibility. It happens. But you never expect the robber to come back, apologize, and return the money: Apology letter begins, 'I am a drug addict,' seeks forgiveness for robbery.
About twelve years ago, the owners of the InterAsian Market Deli in Nashville were robbed at gunpoint. The robber threatened them with a handgun and made off with all the cash in the register, but nobody was hurt.
Last week, Somboon Wu and his father Keosavanh Xayarath, who were working at the store on the night of the robbery, were handed one hell of a surprise: an envelope with $400 cash and an apology letter, dropped off by an anonymous man -- an apparent attempt to make amends for the 12-year-old robbery:
Fast forward to September 6, 2013. Two men approach the younger Wu at the market and explain they have something to leave for the owner. One man places a white envelope on the counter.Here's the letter (misspellings included), which the family posted on Instagram:
"He told me to make sure the owner got it because there was money inside," Wu said. "I slid the envelope back toward him and told him he'd have to come back when my dad comes in. I was wary of these two."
The two men retrieved the envelope and stepped outside, where Wu watched them talk to each other. Then they walked back in, dropped the envelope on the counter and walked away.
"I didn't know what it was, so I took it to our attorney," Wu said. "He was floored."
In addition to $400, inside the envelope was a handwritten note on yellow notepaper. It begins, "I am a drug addict."
I am a drug addict. About 11 or 12 years ago I robber this store with a gun. I do not use drugs anymore and I feal I must make amends to the people I have hurt in the past. I came in you're store around 9 or 10 o'clock in 2002 or 2003 and I got a 6 pack of beer and ask for cigarettes I pulled out a gun and took about $300.00 from the register then drove away in a white car. I hope you will accept this money and find forgiveness.The family's message to the reformed robber, posted on social media: "To the anonymous person we want to tell you all is forgiven and thank you for the note. We don't care about the money. We are more inspired and touched by your act. We hope you find peace in life and prosperity. Best wishes!"
peace be with you
- anonymous
Sometimes you just need little reminders of redemption.