Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
I was at a BBQ recently when a friend of mine told me a story so incredible and heartwarming that I just had to share it here (along with a little drawing). Our friend Brian Barry owns a car dealership in Danbury, Iowa and he recently received a letter that you have to read to believe. Here is what the letter said:
More info: Instagram | Facebook
RELATED:
“September
10 – 2019
Dear Sir (Vincent, Robert, William) Barry
Back in the 1950’s I worked for you – getting cars ready, cleanup yard and stuff while in High School at Danbury.
You let me have an old Mercury to drive as part of my job. One day I was invited to sing at a solo contest at Westmar College in LeMars. Since I had only rags&worn out shoes you loaned me the money to buy a white shirt and a pair of shoes. I got you all paid off but I still owed you $14.00.
I’m 79 years now and ready to go out. I have heart(?), COPD and I just had a small stroke.
I should have done this earlier but being poor I just never had enough. I promised to the Lord I won’t have debts. Here is $20.00 – Hopefully I can be forgiven for not paying you back soon enough.
Thank you,
God Respects,
Bob Bradley”
Included in the envelope was a $20 bill. Brian and everyone at the dealership were in shock (and tears)
Brian then did a little detective work to find Bob on Facebook
He sent him a very nice thank you message
Bill and Bob Barry – men that lent Bob the money for the clothes back in the 1950s
The Barry building then and now
The world needs stories like this right now and we need people like Bob, Vincent, Robert, and William. We need to be inspired by goodness. We need unconditional kindness, respect, generosity, and gratitude. Thank you, Bob Bradley, and to everyone in this story for showing us all how to be good human beings. And thank you, Brian Barry, for sharing this story with us and providing all of these wonderful photos.
I own a company that illustrates people and their stories – both sad and happy, so it was a pure joy to do a little drawing of Bob and his $20
12Kviews
Share on FacebookExplore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Charlotte Sandoval 6 years ago
A little bit silly to reply to the letter with a Facebook message. I hope the elderly gentleman will see it and not be waiting for a physical letter. What a beautiful story!
Eagle Girl 6 years ago
Thought the same thing. People comment how the world is the way it is & then don't honor the human connection that made it the way it was
Load More Replies...
Zoe's Mom 6 years ago
This must have really been a heavy burden for him if after all this time, he sent the money when he could. I think I would have sent back the $20.00.
porcupine 6 years ago
I was thinking I would have as well, but I don’t think this guy would have wanted it back considering how much this must have been eating him up. That’d be awesome if they could figure out some kind of creative way to help him out without making him feel like a “charity case.”
Load More Replies...
Tommy Jo Hunt 6 years ago
What a wonderful person you are Bob. I feel a lot of love for you and your goodness. Puts me in mind of my other and how honest she was! Thank you for The Story!
Erwin Dillinger 6 years ago
well 14$ in 1950 had the buying Power of 150$ in 2019 + accrued interests he still owes some Money to Ford Barry. Just sayin
James Thompson 6 years ago
It's probably more like $75 (per my inflation calculator app) but I had the EXACT same thought. We is some cynical folks.
Load More Replies...
hobbitly 6 years ago
Am I a bitter person for thinking: "if I lent someone money and they dont pay me back, only years after I am gone, I would not call that "such a sweet thing to do" or a "sweet man". If your friend did that to you, wouldn't you dislike that too? Or is it sweet cause he is old? Idk, reading the comments everybody is so positive, I wonder if im too pessimistic...
Zoe's Mom 6 years ago
He did say it was hard being poor so it seems that this was the time he felt he could pay it.
Load More Replies...
Charlotte Sandoval 6 years ago
A little bit silly to reply to the letter with a Facebook message. I hope the elderly gentleman will see it and not be waiting for a physical letter. What a beautiful story!
Eagle Girl 6 years ago
Thought the same thing. People comment how the world is the way it is & then don't honor the human connection that made it the way it was
Load More Replies... Zoe's Mom 6 years ago
This must have really been a heavy burden for him if after all this time, he sent the money when he could. I think I would have sent back the $20.00.
porcupine 6 years ago
I was thinking I would have as well, but I don’t think this guy would have wanted it back considering how much this must have been eating him up. That’d be awesome if they could figure out some kind of creative way to help him out without making him feel like a “charity case.”
Load More Replies... Tommy Jo Hunt 6 years ago
What a wonderful person you are Bob. I feel a lot of love for you and your goodness. Puts me in mind of my other and how honest she was! Thank you for The Story!
Erwin Dillinger 6 years ago
well 14$ in 1950 had the buying Power of 150$ in 2019 + accrued interests he still owes some Money to Ford Barry. Just sayin
James Thompson 6 years ago
It's probably more like $75 (per my inflation calculator app) but I had the EXACT same thought. We is some cynical folks.
Load More Replies... hobbitly 6 years ago
Am I a bitter person for thinking: "if I lent someone money and they dont pay me back, only years after I am gone, I would not call that "such a sweet thing to do" or a "sweet man". If your friend did that to you, wouldn't you dislike that too? Or is it sweet cause he is old? Idk, reading the comments everybody is so positive, I wonder if im too pessimistic...
Zoe's Mom 6 years ago
He did say it was hard being poor so it seems that this was the time he felt he could pay it.
Load More Replies... You May Like 30 Of The Most Irksome Things Annoying People Often Say 150 Thank You Messages To Send Your Loved Ones No Matter The Occasion, These 98 Funny Thank You Notes Suit Them Perfectly
Neilas Šurkus
Linas Simonaitis
Neilas Šurkus
Related on Bored Panda
153
24