Seventeen-year-old Martin Farmer was on a mission at the flea market, hunting for old music tapes to bring a bit of joy into his challenging life. Since losing his father two years ago, Martin had taken on a lot of responsibility—caring for his sick mother while juggling school and work. A motorcycle accident had also left him with a limp, crushing his dreams of a football career and college. Despite the constant struggle to make ends meet, he allowed himself one small treat each month: spending $5 from his savings at the flea market.
This Sunday morning, after a tough week, Martin was looking forward to his little escape. As he browsed through the tapes at his favorite vendor, he noticed an elderly man setting up next door with a pile of old suitcases and bags. The man called out, “Suitcases, bags, and briefcases! Just five dollars each! A treasure for anyone with an eye!”
The crowd wasn’t kind. A woman sneered, calling the bags “junk,” and another man mocked the old man’s efforts. Undeterred, the old man smiled and said, “Someone will come along because this suitcase right here—it’s full of hope. It might look ordinary, but it holds dreams.”
Martin felt intrigued and smiled. “I could use a little hope myself. How much for that suitcase?”
The old man’s face lit up. “For you, just $5.” Martin handed over his last bill, and the old man grasped his hand warmly, saying, “You’re a kind young man. Good things are coming your way.”
The suitcase felt surprisingly heavy, and after saying goodbye to the music stall, Martin headed home. His mother scolded him for bringing home “another piece of junk,” but he couldn’t help but be curious. He took the suitcase to the garage and opened it. Wrapped in layers of old newspaper, he found bundles of cash—$300,000 in total.
Stunned, Martin called his mother over. That night, they counted the money repeatedly, hardly able to believe their luck. “This can cover your education and my medical bills,” she whispered. But Martin felt uneasy. “Mom, I didn’t earn this. The old man didn’t know what was inside that suitcase.”
Together, they decided they had to find him. For weeks, Martin returned to the flea market, searching for the mysterious old man. Then one day, he spotted him at a bus stop with another suitcase.
“Sir! I have to give the suitcase back. It was filled with money—your money!” Martin exclaimed.
The old man chuckled knowingly. “I know, son. I told you it was full of hope and dreams. That money was meant for you, to help you.”
Martin was taken aback. “But I thought you needed the money!”
The man smiled. “I’ve had more than I could ever need. Now, I want to share it with those who show kindness.” With that, he walked away, leaving Martin in awe.
With the newfound money, Martin and his mother decided to improve her health, secure his education, and start fresh. Every night, they included the “Suitcase Man” in their prayers, grateful for the kindness that transformed their lives.
What can we learn from Martin’s story?
Miracles often appear when we least expect them. In their struggle, the suitcase brought exactly what Martin and his mother needed.
Acts of kindness come full circle. Martin gave away his last $5 to help someone else, only to receive a life-changing gift in return.
