When he was 90 years old, Mr. Larry Hutchins considered not having a will. One day, he went to his grocery store looking for his next successor, posing as a homeless person. However, it was not easy for him.
The richest and oldest grocery store owner in Texas, Mr. Hutchins, was 90 years old. The man had hazel eyes and hair with a gray sheen, which made him extremely attractive for his age, but his business never gave him time to use his charm, leaving him without a wife and children.
The thought of not having an heir plagued Mr. Hutchins as he got older. If I died, who would inherit my property? One day Mr. Hutchins thought about it. Since he wanted to offer it to someone who would really appreciate it, he wasn’t really the kind of charitable person who would give everything to a cause. Giving everything to a friend was another option, but Mr. Hutchins wasn’t interested because, as he learned the hard way, you make more enemies than friends in the business.
He, therefore, turned to his lawyer Mr. William Carter for advice when he ran out of options. William asked, “What do you think?” Mr. Hutchins asked the counselor. Even though I’ve thought about it, I can’t make up my mind.
Now, Mr. Hutchins, I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t want to donate it to charity, so let’s get that out of the way first. Have you been able to identify any distant relatives? ”
Will, nobody wants to take your burden when you’re an orphan at an early age,” Mr. Hutchins thought about his painful background. It took me several years to move to Texas with very little.
That’s why I’d like to offer it to someone who really understands it, rather than someone based on blood ties alone.
I understand that this is not the usual case, sir.
If you give me some time, I’ll think about it. We will meet next Friday. At that time I would have an idea. Yes, Will,” Mr. Hutchins replied before hanging up the phone. Still, after hearing William’s answer, he was sure that he wasn’t going to solve his problems anytime soon.
The day after the phone call, Mr. Hutchins sat in his study with a notepad, listing the likely heirs to his estate. None of the names on the list have been added in the previous few hours.
Mr. Hutchins was dejected and prepared to leave by angrily throwing his pen. Yet at that exact moment, a thought struck him. A test for my employees might be fine. Then Mr. Hutchins paused. I mean, maybe there’s someone else out there who shares my understanding of what it’s like to enjoy the results of your work.
The next day he changed into his oldest clothes and bought a used walking stick. By the time he reached his destination—his grocery store—he also sported a fake beard. Cashier Lincy yelled, “Go away, old man. “People like you can’t come here!”
I’m just here for some food, ma’am, that’s all. My last meal was days ago. “I need your help,” Mr. Hutchins said.
Lincy coldly commented, “Well, I guess you’re in the wrong place. Others in your situation are begging on the street. You don’t deserve to be in such a nice establishment!” Well, I must have some unpleasant staff. Perhaps I will discover my heir among the customers. Mr. Hutchins considered his options and moved around the food shelves, but there too he was unsuccessful.
A woman in line exclaimed, “Who the hell let that man in here!”
Please don’t come any closer. You have an unpleasant meat odor. However, Madam Mr. Hutchins was interrupted before he could finish his thought.
Another man yelled, “I know, right!” “Give him some money and fire him.
A saleswoman approached Mr. Hutchins as he tried to tell them that all he needed was some food.
“You must leave this place immediately! We can’t ignore our clients’ complaints! By the way, how exactly did you get there, huh? The guards didn’t stop you, did they?”
Mr Drummonds, a regular at the shop, replied: “Yes, please, Linda.” Also instruct the security personnel to deny such goons entry. Linda said, “I’m sorry to bother you, sir. I’ll have him escorted right away. Wow! Some of the cruelest people in the world frequent this store!
As Mr. Hutchins prepared to leave, a thought occurred to him. But at that moment he was silenced by a voice from behind.
“Get away from that older man, everyone,” he said.
Lewis, Mr. Hutchins’ store manager, was standing there when he turned around. He was 25 years old, a college student who had dropped out due to financial difficulties, and was probably the youngest person working in the store.
Lewis, do you believe Mr. Hutchins would allow such a man in the store? quoted Lucy. I’m sure he wouldn’t let him in.
Then he turned and addressed Mr. Hutchins and said, “I know Mr. Hutchins better than you, Lincy, so go back to your work before I tell him.”
“Sir, could you please join me? I regret my team’s misbehavior.”
Mr. Hutchins was carried inside by Lewis, who then walked around the shop to gather items into a basket and load it. Mr. Hutchins’ eyes watered as he paid the bill and delivered the items. With a trembling voice, he said, “Thank you, young man. Also, do you mind if I ask you something?”
Lewis replied with a smile, “Sure, sir.
Why did you defy everyone and feed a homeless person like me? Mr. Hutchins asked in a confused tone. Your employer wouldn’t know if you fired me.
Lewis added, “Well, sir, there was a time when I went to my boss to look for a job. There was nothing wrong with me at the time. I was a rookie and I didn’t even have a place to live. But on the condition that I put in a lot of effort, my boss, Mr. Hutchins, provided me with a job and paid for a small apartment. I understood the value of showing kindness to others that day.
Mr. Hutchins smiled warmly at him. This is the end of your search, Larry, he told himself. You have finally found your heir. He once again expressed his appreciation to Lewis and left.
When Mr. Hutchins was leaving for his heavenly home seven years later, Lewis received a phone call from Mr. Carter. Lewis was informed that Mr. Hutchins had left him everything, including a short note that described his homeless personality and the decision-making process behind his selection as his heir.
What can we take away from this story?
Learn to respect others and be kind to them. A prime example of this was Lewis’ treatment of Mr. Hutchins. Decent individuals experience pleasant things. Lewis’ honesty and diligence moved Mr. Hucthins, who decided to name him his heir.