SakshiMeeting Billy
The name of the panhandler was Billy Ray Harris. He was a 55-year-old homeless man. The guy had been living as homeless for many years. A particular road corner in Kansas city was his residence. The man would sleep there at night and would spend days with a cup in his hand and asking passers-by for change.
For 16 Years
The man found himself on road to fend for himself about sixteen years ago. The man has had struggled a lot to survive each day. Anyone in his situation would try to make most of each and every chance coming his way. Naturally, he thought of selling the ring when he found it in his cup. The man contacted local jewelers to know the worth of the ring.
Making The Right Decision
Well, the amount he was told got him by surprise. The jeweler offered $4000 in exchange for the ring. However, Billy did not sell it off because he doubted it was worth a lot more than the local jeweler had told him. The jeweler tried hard to negotiate with him but the man decided not to sell it. He had his reasons.
Kindhearted
Though the man wanted money badly, he could not sell the expensive ring. He doubted that someone had accidentally dropped the ring in his cup. What if the person comes back tomorrow? What will he tell him/her? Even though the ring would have provided him with enough money, his conscience did not allow him to do that. Billy Ray just could not sell the ring. His kindness was what set him apart from the people.
Restoring Faith
As he had doubted a lady did come to him asking about the ring a few days later. That was the moment he felt proud of himself for not trading the ring for some money. Billy gave the ring back to her. It was a good moment. He said, “I just couldn’t do it. I’m not saying I’m an angel, but I’m not a devil either.”
Good People
Billy told the woman, “I could tell exactly how much it meant to you as soon as I held it up.” Sarah said,
“It just makes you realize there are good people out there.”