Good Samaritan

Last weekend, The Girl and I went to the beach for a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk. After a few hours of sun, munchies and drinks at the boardwalk pub, we decided to window shop on Queen Street and then stopped in a park for a rest before heading back to the car. On our park bench was a cell phone that someone had left behind. I picked up the phone and thought about the anguish on the person's face once they realized their phone was lost. If this was my lost phone, I know I'd want someone to help get it back into my hands ... so that's what I did.

I grabbed the phone and went through the contact list. I knew that the "Swiss Chalet" or "Pizza" entries wouldn't help me so when I found "sister" I dialed the number. The conversation went something like this:

sister: Hey Joey, what's up?
me: It's not Joey. Is this Joey's sister?
sister: Yes, who's this?
me: My name is Paul and I've found your brother's phone in (can't remember the name) Park.
sister: What an idiot? Are you at Wonderland with him?
me: No, I'm at this park on Queen Street. If you guys live around here, come by and get the phone.
sister: We're not from around there.
me: We'll I'm on my way home to Markham so if Joey wants the phone tell him to call his own phone and we can find a place to meet.
sister: Cool. If he calls me I'll let him know what's happening. Thanks for your help.
me: No worries. I'll just keep answering the phone in case it's Joey.
sister: I'll keep calling you as well to find out what's happening. He's such an idiot!

The Girl and I then walk back to the car. It's about a 10-minute walk and sister (Melissa) calls a couple of times to see if Joe has called yet inquiring about his lost phone. I tell her that she's the only person who has called so far. We then proceed to drive home and the phone rings a few minutes later. The conversation went something like this:

me: Hello?
dude: Yeah, who's this?
me: I'm someone who has found Joe's phone. Are you a buddy of his?
dude: Yeah, Joe is right here -- hold on.
Joe: Where'd ya find my phone, bro?
me: This park on Queen Street.
Joe: Yeah, I was there. Thanks for helping out. Where are you?
me: I'm at Birchmount and St. Clair. Are you close by?
Joe: About 10 minutes away.
me: Cool. I'm going to pull into the Shell at the south-east corner. Come get your phone.
Joe: Thanks man. Be there in 10.

Joe and his buddy show up 10 minutes later. I hang his cell phone out the window, he sees it and runs over. He offers us $20, drinks and food from the gas station but I decline. I tell him that I'd want someone to do the same thing for me if I lost my phone. I believe in karma and that doing good brings good. He thanks me again and takes off. The Girl and I drive home knowing we made someone's day.