Years After She Says Addict Robbed Her, Grandma Receives Stolen $30 and Handwritten Apology Letter
Injustice never hurts worse than when it comes at the hands of a trusted friend. One grandmother experienced exactly that five years ago when a friend of her son’s — a man she had often helped and cared for — betrayed her trust and abused her kindness in the worst way.
Lynne Hamer, now 71, told all her friends what happened after her son’s friend Danny snuck into her home one afternoon and stole some food and £25, or around $30, while she was upstairs, oblivious to the theft.
In a recent Facebook post, Hamer wrote about what transpired back then and how, in her frustration, she spread the news around town that Danny was not be trusted.
“I was quick to tell everyone he was scum,” she wrote. “I slated his name all over stockton.”
Hamer added that it was a “really bad time” in her life. Her own son had recently stolen from her as well, and the sense of ingratitude and hurt cut even deeper the second time around. It’s no wonder that she wanted justice.
In the post, she wrote that Danny robbed her out of what she believed was “desperation for drugs.”
“He stole the money off the table while I was upstairs, he just walked in and left. My grandson saw him whilst he was playing on the front,” she told the Daily Mail.
After the incident, Hamer never expected to see or hear from Danny again.
But after five years, he suddenly reappeared in her life in the most unexpected way.
A letter arrived with £25, along with an important message reminder that no matter how hopeless a life may seem from the outside, people really can change.
The letter began, “I’m sending this with an apology and hope you will eventually forgive me. I was in a really bad place and I know that is no excuse for what I did.”
Danny went on to praise Hamer for how generously she had always treated him. “You are a truly amazing, helpfull honest person,” he wrote.
“I will be eternally grateful for all the help you gave me.”
Impressed by Danny’s courage in reaching out, and grateful to finally receive an apology after so much time had passed, Hamer was quick to forgive. Remembering how she had spoken about him five years ago, she knew she had to share the rest of Danny’s story.
“I really needed to put this out there now to show they can turn their lives around,” she wrote, encouraged that her many kindnesses from years past had not been for nothing after all.
Danny’s letter served as a reminder that the power of everyday love and generosity is capable of stirring incredible transformation — even if it takes a few years.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.