You do not always know what you have lost until someone returns it. For one family, their rough year had culminated with having to sell their father’s home and move him into assisted living. But the kindness of a stranger helped turn things around for the Spiewakowski family.

Steve Spiewakowski said that he and his brothers had to pack up and sell their dad’s Dudley, Mass., house, as well as some of the belongings that could not be taken with the family. Despite the sadness of the job, Steve said it helped bring the family closer.

“It was nice because my brothers and I got to spend some time together at the house and did a lot of reminiscing,” Steve said.

But even better, was what they received when they sold what they thought was a box of costume jewelry. A man named Mike bought the items for $6. But, just a few short days later, Mike contacted the family’s realtor: He wanted to give back what he had bought.

The family was surprised when they got back the small container of coins. “I don’t remember seeing (them),” Steve said. “This is what he put in the mailbox. He said they were worth over $200. I don’t know the value of these coins.” But, even more touching than the return of the coins was the letter written to the family. Mike’s note read:

“I just wanted to share a quote with you that has guided me to a richer life. Beware of over-concern for money, position, or glory. Someday you will meet a man who cares for none of these things. Then you will know how poor you are. Kipling. Take care, Mike.” (Kipling is Rudyard Kipling, author of many classic novels, including “The Jungle Book.”)

The family has never had a chance to meet Mike. All they learned was that he was a collector and had found the coins quite interesting. But when learned how much they were worth, knew that kindness was infinitely more important than wealth.

“We never would have known. We didn’t know that stuff was in there and we never would have missed it,” Steve said. With kindness often missing these days, the family hopes this story lets people know that honorable deeds can make things better.

“Those are the heroes in the world. They do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do,” Steve said.

“People can be so mean to each other. We forget how nice people can be. I hope he knows what a tremendous impact he’s made on a family who’s been struggling with their dad’s stuff over the last year. It made a big difference to us,” he said.

Sources: Sunny Skyz | Market Realist | CBS