This story first appeared in It Didn’t Happen This way – Untrue Stories, Volume One in 2012.
Hello Jeff,
As you may have heard, I recently came into quite a fortune. Someone has to win the lottery and despite the odds, it was me. It wasn’t because I deserved it. I certainly didn’t earn it. But I find myself now with 133 million dollars and must decide how to utilize it. I certainly have dreams and aspirations; business opportunities to invest in abound. Still, I must consider the life traveled that got me to this place and in so doing, remember those who gave me a chance.
There was a time in my career, several years ago, where I had burned a few bridges and was left remorseful for my mistakes but still accountable for them. It was a crossroads where you, as my manager, could have terminated me and rightly so. You didn’t. You gave me an opportunity to turn things around and right the wrongs. I heard you took some heat for it. Simply, you saw something in me that was salvageable and believed in my abilities. I don’t know if I ever expressed how much that meant to me but I have never forgotten it.
Simply, thank you. I dare say that I might have started on a long, downward spiral had it not been for your giving spirit and faith in me.
Enclosed is a check for 1.23 million dollars. This should leave you with one million dollars after gift taxes have been paid. I know a million dollars is not a lot these days, but with your own savings, I hope this gives you enough to pursue your dream, whatever that may be.
I wish you and your family all the happiness and success in the world. If there is anything I can do, anything at all, please do not hesitate to let my assistant know. I will be in town next month and if we can work out schedules, I would love to have dinner with you.
Sincerely,
Steven Lasroth
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