Poor Young Mom Buys Old Washing Machine She Could Barely Afford, Then Finds Note Inside — Story of the Day

Jessica wanted to buy a $250 washing machine, but she couldn’t afford it, so she had to ask the seller for a discount. He consented right away, to her surprise, but when she got home and opened the machine, she discovered something even more surprising inside.

When Jessica and her husband Edward welcomed their first child, Kathy, they quickly understood that parenting would not be easy. The young parents were having financial difficulties then, and there was constantly a lack of funds.

Edward owned a textile business in Texas, but it was struggling. Meanwhile, Jessica worked as a nanny on weekends while Edward looked after Kathy. With a baby at home now, expenses went up, while income stayed the same or even went down some months.

Jessica bought the washing machine at a discounted price | Photo: Shutterstock

Jessica bought the washing machine at a discounted price | Photo: Shutterstock

Ahh, it must be challenging for them too. Perhaps more difficult. Jessica reflected as she drove away from work one weekend, glancing at her neighbor Sandra and her children.

Sandra was already raising a third child even though her husband was just a truck driver. Although he got paid on a piecemeal basis, he wasn’t rowing millions of dollars there. Sandra had been working on a farm for several years to help support her husband financially, and it was the only way they could make ends meet.

Jessica and Edward, like their neighbors, were scraping by on whatever they could. Edward had stopped going to bars with friends to conserve money after Kathy’s arrival, and Jessica had given up on the little things she had managed to buy after saving money from the monthly budget.

Luckily, one month, things were going well financially. Edward’s business grew slowly but steadily, and Jessica managed to save some money. But just when it appeared like they would be having a less stressful month, another problem knocked at her door: the washing machine broke down.

After Kathy's birth, Andrew and Jessica were having a hard time | Photo: Pexels

After Kathy’s birth, Andrew and Jessica were having a hard time | Photo: Pexels

After considering her options, Jessica realized that there was no point in getting the machine repaired. The labor and motor replacement cost would be slightly less than the cost of a new machine, and there was no guarantee that the repaired equipment would last as long. After all, this was the fourth time the machine demanded a repair in the same year.

Knowing there was no other option but to look for a new machine, Jessica sat down on the computer, looking for an affordable one. An hour of searching led her to one suitable find, but it cost $250, and Jessica could only afford to pay $150.

In the end, she decided to see the merchant in person and request a discount right then and there. James Carter, 1216 East Madison Street, Brownsville, TX, said the advertisement. Jessica made a note of the owner’s address.

Upon arrival, a man about Jessica’s age opened the door. There was a calmness in his eyes, but the dark circles beneath them revealed inner stress and exhaustion. “How may I assist you?” he asked, his voice deep but mournful.

“Hi, are you James Carter? I’m Jessica Turner. I messaged you regarding the washing machine. Can I have a look at it?”

“Oh, Jessica. Yes, sure. Come in,” James said, and Jessica followed him in.

Jessica visited the seller's house | Photo: Unsplash

Jessica visited the seller’s house | Photo: Unsplash

The entire house was in shambles, and Jessica deduced from the disorganized layout that the man was planning to relocate, which was why he’d put the machine up for sale. As she entered the room next to the hall, she saw the white washing machine. It appeared to look brand new, precisely as she’d seen it online.

“Well, I hope you remember I said I wanted to talk about the price,” Jessica said, having viewed the machine from the exterior. “I can’t afford to pay $250! I agree the machine still looks brand new and everything, but I can’t extend my budget beyond $150. We just had a baby, and you know things are not so well financially, so I was wondering if you could please give me a discount?”

James stood there silent for a while, pondering, and then nodded his head in agreement. “Sure. I don’t mind. $150 sounds like a good deal to me,” he said absentmindedly and then turned around to lift the machine.

Jessica’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? Thank you! Thank you so much!”

James gave Jessica a slight smile and the woman could sense that his thoughts had wandered beyond the room in that short while, but she didn’t bother much about it as she was rejoicing in luck.

James agreed to sell the washing machine at $150 | Photo: Pexels

James agreed to sell the washing machine at $150 | Photo: Pexels

After 5 minutes, the two of them carried the huge machine to Jessica’s car without gloves, belts, or loading belts, huffing and sweating. She’d already paid James and was looking forward to getting the machine home.

As she prepared to leave, she gave her hand to say goodbye and asked him to meet her somewhere in the future, but James’ answer was a flat no. “I’m leaving this place for good, and I won’t be returning, so I don’t think we’ll be meeting again. Anyway, I hope the machine is useful to you,” he said with a quick but honest smile. Jessica simply smiled at the odd response and thanked him once more before leaving.

When she got home, the first thing she did was double-check the equipment’s functionality. However, as she opened the dryer to check the lint filter, she was shocked to find $150 in there.

It also contained a folded piece of paper in one corner with a message. “It’s a gift for your newborn baby,” it read. “I didn’t think it was fair to ask for money from someone who was already struggling financially.

“As a result, I chose to return it. Someone very close to my heart once told me that if I have the resources, I should help those who are less fortunate.” Jessica was shocked. When did he place this inside the machine?

Jessica found a note inside the washing machine | Photo: Pexels

Jessica found a note inside the washing machine | Photo: Pexels

Suddenly, it hit her. She’d asked him to help her move the machine to the yard while she fetched ropes from the car trunk to pack the machine properly, and it’s possible that’s when he put it there.

Jessica wanted to express her gratitude to him for his assistance. However, because he didn’t provide a phone number on the website and returning to the house would be a two-hour journey from her home, she decided to see him the next day.

Unfortunately, it was too late by then, as the man had already left the house, and a for sale sign was posted in the yard. Jessica left the house dejected, thanking him once more in her heart.

One year later…

Jessica and Edward were finally moving into a larger home. Kathy had been accepted to a good school, and Edward’s business was doing well.

Jessica was standing on the balcony of her former house, surveying the area where she’d spent most of her days. The place held a lot of memories for her. She switched her sights to Sandra’s residence and overheard Sandra and her husband bickering over purchasing a new washing machine.

One year later, Jessica gave the machine to Sandra | Photo: Shutterstock

One year later, Jessica gave the machine to Sandra | Photo: Shutterstock

Jessica took a look at the wet linen-laden rope on Sandra’s terrace. Oh, that poor woman must have done all the laundry herself. I should do something to help her.

So before leaving, she rang the doorbell at Sandra’s and left the washing machine on her doorstep with a note that read, “With love from your neighbor, Jessica.”

Jessica saw how happy Sandra was when she opened the door and spotted the machine on her porch.

So this was how James felt when he helped me. Ahh, honestly, it does feel amazing. However, I’m still curious about who encouraged him and asked him to assist people in need. Jessica pondered as their car sped away to their new destination.

What can we learn from this story?

  • Never hesitate to assist someone in need if you have the means to do so. The way Jessica helped Sandra and James helped Jessica are beautiful examples of this.
  • Learn to emulate the goodness of your surroundings. Jessica was inspired by James’ example and stepped in to assist Sandra.

If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a widower who discovered his wife’s hiding place after her death and learned a shocking truth.

This account is inspired by our reader’s story and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

Santa’s Favorite Laughs: 11 Christmas Jokes to Brighten Your Holiday

Ho ho ho! Feeling festive? These Christmas jokes will have you laughing louder than Santa’s belly shake. Warning: excessive cheer, snort-laughing, and spontaneous caroling may occur. Proceed with caution… and cookies!

Jingle all the way to laughter! Grab your eggnog and settle in for some holiday hilarity. These jokes are Santa-approved and guaranteed to make you laugh harder than your uncle after too much Christmas pudding.

Santa Claus laughing in the snow | Source: Midjourney

Santa Claus laughing in the snow | Source: Midjourney

1. The Christmas Trap

Mike drummed his fingers on his desk, staring at his phone. His wife Janet gave him a knowing wink from across the room, already struggling to contain her laughter. Time for their annual Christmas scheme.

“Hey kiddo,” Mike said after his 20-year-old son picked up in Fairbanks, trying to sound devastated. “I hate to drop this bomb, but… your mother and I are getting divorced.”

“WHAT?” Ryan’s voice cracked so hard that his neighbor’s cat fell off the windowsill. “Dad, you can’t be serious! You just posted those matching Christmas sweater photos!”

A shocked young man holding a phone | Source: Midjourney

A shocked young man holding a phone | Source: Midjourney

“Dead serious. Can’t stand looking at her cookbooks anymore. Three hundred and forty-two sugar cookie recipes is where I draw the line. Call your sister in Sydney. I’m done talking about it.”

Ryan immediately called his sister Ashley, nearly dropping his phone in his panic. “Dad’s lost his mind! They’re getting divorced over a cookbook!”

“OVER MY DEAD BODY AND EVERY CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT I OWN!” Ashley screeched, making her office plants wilt. She speed-dialed home. “Listen here, old man! Don’t you DARE sign anything! Ryan and I are flying home TONIGHT!”

A shocked woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

A shocked woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

Mike hung up and high-fived Janet, and both of them doubled over with laughter. “Works every year. Both kids coming home for Christmas. And they’re buying their own tickets!”

Janet wiped tears from her eyes. “Should we tell them this is how we got them to come to Thanksgiving too?”

“Nah,” Mike grinned. “Let’s save that trick for Easter!”

An older man with a wicked grin | Source: Midjourney

An older man with a wicked grin | Source: Midjourney

2. The Christmas Angel

Eleanor had been working in the Dead Letter Office for five years, but she’d never seen anything quite like this — an envelope addressed simply to “God” in shaky handwriting that looked like it had been written during an earthquake.

Inside was a letter that made her heart squeeze:

“Dear God, I’m Martha, 85 years young and running low on miracles. Some sneaky youngster with unusually fast hands swiped my purse yesterday with my entire month’s pension. $120. I’ve got five dear friends coming for Christmas dinner, and now I can’t even afford a can of cranberry sauce. I know you’re busy with world peace and all, but could you spare a miracle for an old lady with a sweet tooth and empty cupboards? Love, Martha (the one with the crooked garden gnome collection at the end of Maple Street).”

A lady postal services worker reading a letter | Source: Midjourney

A lady postal services worker reading a letter | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor shared the letter with her coworkers. By lunch, they’d collected $116, raiding coffee funds, lunch money, and that secret candy bar stash everyone pretended not to know about.

A week after Christmas, another letter arrived:

“Dear God, You’re a real peach! That $116 you’d left in my mailbox made for the best Christmas dinner ever! My friends said it was divine intervention. I’d say they’re right! Even my arthritis felt better!

P.S. Some sticky-fingered postal worker must’ve skimmed $4 off the top. Might want to look into that. I hear you’ve got connections with Santa’s naughty list! Love, Martha.”

A cheerful older lady enjoying Christmas dinner with her friends | Source: Midjourney

A cheerful older lady enjoying Christmas dinner with her friends | Source: Midjourney

3. North Pole Chaos

“Code Red! Code Red!” Junior Elf Timothy squeaked into the North Pole intercom, his voice cracking like ice in hot cocoa. “Four senior elves down with candy cane flu! The toy production line looks like a modern art exhibition!”

Santa rubbed his temples, watching the trainee elves turn teddy bears into abstract sculptures. Mrs. Claus chose that perfect moment to chirp, “Honey, Mother’s coming for Christmas! She’s bringing her entire fruitcake collection… even the one that set off the North Pole airport security!”

In the stables, Rudolph was organizing a reindeer union strike, demanding premium carrots and heated stalls. Dancer was in labor (terrible timing), and Prancer had eloped with a local moose named Bruce who promised her a cabin in the woods.

Startled Santa Claus | Source: Midjourney

Startled Santa Claus | Source: Midjourney

Santa trudged to load the sleigh, only to hear an ominous CRACK! The floor splintered like thin ice, sending toys scattering everywhere like confetti at a New Year’s party gone wrong.

Stumbling inside for coffee, he found the elves had replaced it with sugar-free hot chocolate with a tag that read: “It’s healthier, Boss!” The milk jug slipped from his hands, shattering into a million pieces that sparkled like evil little stars on the kitchen floor. The cleanup broom looked like it had been through a beaver party. Suddenly, the doorbell buzzed.

DING DONG!

Santa Claus holding a broom | Source: Midjourney

Santa Claus holding a broom | Source: Midjourney

Santa yanked open the door, ready to cancel Christmas entirely. There stood a tiny angel, struggling under a massive Christmas tree that made her look like a sprite with an oversized umbrella.

“Special delivery!” she beamed, twinkling with festive cheer. “Where would you like me to stick it?”

And that’s why Christmas trees have angels on top, sporting slightly alarmed expressions and questioning their career choices.

An angel under a Christmas tree | Source: Midjourney

An angel under a Christmas tree | Source: Midjourney

4. Heavenly Volume

Tommy and Jack were spending Christmas Eve at Grandma Rose’s house, famous for her legendary sugar cookies and selective hearing that rivaled military-grade noise-canceling technology.

At bedtime, Tommy (age 6) knelt beside his bed and began his strategic prayer:

“DEAR GOD, I WOULD REALLY LOVE A NEW XBOX…”

“AND A REMOTE CONTROL DINOSAUR THAT ACTUALLY BREATHES FIRE…”

“AND MAYBE A ROCKET SHIP WITH REAL ROCKET FUEL…”

A little boy praying | Source: Midjourney

A little boy praying | Source: Midjourney

Jack (age 8) nudged his brother, rolling his eyes. “Dude, volume control! God’s not streaming on Spotify!”

Tommy shot back with a mischievous grin that would make elves proud. “Yeah, but Grandma is doing her Christmas shopping tomorrow, and her hearing aid’s been acting up since she tried to bluetooth it to her toaster!”

A little boy looking up and laughing | Source: Midjourney

A little boy looking up and laughing | Source: Midjourney

5. The Shopping Surprise

Linda lost track of her husband Dave at the crowded mall during last-minute Christmas shopping. After 20 minutes of searching between the endless sea of panic-buying shoppers, she called his cell.

“Dave, where on earth did you disappear to? The mall closes in an hour!”

“Honey,” his voice softened mysteriously, “remember that fancy jewelry store from our first Christmas together? The one where you fell in love with that stunning sapphire necklace, but we were so broke we could barely afford the window shopping?”

A man talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

A man talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

Linda’s heart fluttered, her anger melting faster than a snowman in July. “The one on Fifth Street? Oh my god, Dave… you didn’t…”

“Well,” he paused dramatically, “I’m in the dollar store next door. They’re having a massive sale on gift bags! Three for a dollar! Want me to grab some?”

A woman gaping in shock | Source: Midjourney

A woman gaping in shock | Source: Midjourney

6. The Carol Critic

“Hey Emma,” her little brother Charlie called from the doorway, munching on his third candy cane of the morning. “You should totally join the Christmas choir at school! They’re still accepting applications!”

14-year-old Emma stopped practicing her scales, hope blooming in her eyes. “Really? You actually like my singing? After all this time?”

“Nah,” Charlie grinned, revealing red and white striped teeth. “But they only perform once a year, and I already know which day to wear my noise-canceling headphones!”

A stunned teenage girl holding a songbook | Source: Midjourney

A stunned teenage girl holding a songbook | Source: Midjourney

7. The Gift Switch

At the office Christmas party, Tom was bragging about the amazing gift he got his wife Sarah, waving his phone around with photos.

“Check it out, man. Diamond earrings! Cost me a fortune, but worth every penny!”

His coworker Steve whistled, sipping his fourth cup of spiked eggnog. “But didn’t Sarah specifically ask for that new SUV? The one she’s been hinting about since last Christmas?”

“She did,” Tom smirked, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “But try finding a fake Ford Explorer that’ll fool your mother-in-law!”

A man holding a pair of earrings and laughing | Source: Midjourney

A man holding a pair of earrings and laughing | Source: Midjourney

8. The Budget Tree

“Dad, pleeeease can we get a real Christmas tree this year?” little Jimmy begged for the hundredth time, giving his best puppy dog eyes. “I’m tired of explaining to my friends why our plastic tree smells like a basement and old tennis shoes!”

Frank grabbed his axe and wallet, sighing dramatically while secretly winking at his wife. “Fine. The things I do for Christmas spirit…”

He returned suspiciously quickly with a perfect tree, not a drop of sweat in sight.

A man holding an axe | Source: Midjourney

A man holding an axe | Source: Midjourney

“That was fast,” Jimmy said, eyeing the pristine axe. “Did you even use it?”

“Nope!” Frank grinned proudly. “But the tree lot guy offered a 75% discount when I started examining the trees with it! Sometimes the best lumberjack is the one who never swings!”

A stunned boy | Source: Midjourney

A stunned boy | Source: Midjourney

9. The Biblical Bird

Three brothers — Richie, Steve, and Joe — gathered for their annual post-Christmas brag-fest about their gifts to their 80-year-old mother.

Richie puffed up his chest. “I built her a mansion with an elevator and a meditation room!”

Steve smirked, twirling his car keys. “Amateur. I bought her a Rolls-Royce with a personal chauffeur!”

Joe leaned back, sipping his cocoa. “You guys are so last season. Remember how Mom loves the Bible but can’t see well? I found this amazing parrot that recites the entire Bible on command. Took the church elders twelve years to train him. Mom just has to name the chapter and verse!”

A person in church holding a parrot | Source: Midjourney

A person in church holding a parrot | Source: Midjourney

Their mother’s thank-you notes arrived the next week:

“Dear Richie: The mansion’s lovely, but I’m too old to remember which of the 7 bathrooms I left my glasses in.

Dear Steve: The car’s beautiful, but my driver keeps falling asleep during my stories.

Dear Joe: The chicken was pretty small but delicious! Especially with the sage stuffing!”

Roasted chicken on the table | Source: Midjourney

Roasted chicken on the table | Source: Midjourney

10. The Window Shopping Incident

Karen spotted the perfect Christmas party dress sparkling in the store’s window display, guaranteed to make her the talk of the office party.

“Excuse me,” she called to a passing saleswoman. “Could I try on that gorgeous shimmery dress in the window? The one with the sequins?”

The saleswoman clutched her pearls, looking thoroughly scandalized. “Absolutely not, Ma’am! We have perfectly good fitting rooms for that sort of thing. This isn’t that kind of establishment!”

A dress displayed in a store | Source: Midjourney

A dress displayed in a store | Source: Midjourney

11. The Santa Hotline

Sophie was driving her mom crazy with constant battles with her teenage sister Madison. The latest war was over borrowed (stolen) Christmas sweaters and who ate the last gingerbread cookie.

Mom had enough. “That’s it! I’m calling Santa!”

She dialed her brother Bob, resident Santa impersonator extraordinaire. Sophie’s eyes grew huge as Mom detailed her crimes against sisterhood, including the Great Hair Dryer Incident of last Tuesday.

“Santa wants a word with you,” Mom handed over the phone, trying not to smirk as her master plan unfolded.

A smiling woman holding a phone | Source: Midjourney

A smiling woman holding a phone | Source: Midjourney

Uncle Bob dropped his voice to subterranean levels. “Sophie, Sophie, Sophie… No presents for girls who torment their sisters. I’m watching! And yes, I saw you hide that cookie under your pillow!”

Sophie nodded solemnly through the lecture, then hung up with a suspicious gleam in her eye.

“Well?” Mom asked, expecting victory. “What did Santa say?”

Sophie shrugged, skipping away. “He said Madison’s getting coal this year. Apparently, she’s the real troublemaker. Also, he said you should check your own cookie stash, Mom!”

A little girl smiling | Source: Midjourney

A little girl smiling | Source: Midjourney

And there you have it, folks! If these jokes made you laugh, share them faster than your relatives share embarrassing childhood stories at Christmas dinner! Keep spreading the holiday cheer with these 10 More Best Christmas Jokes. Ho ho ho!

Cheerful Santa Claus laughing | Source: Midjourney

Cheerful Santa Claus laughing | Source: Midjourney

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