Houston man without job returns lost purse, wallet to owner

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- When Esmeralda Roberts lost her wallet on Sunday night, she lost hope along with it.

"I was busy with the kids, so I didn't realize I set my wallet on top of my hood and I just drove off," she said. "I retraced my steps, drove the same route a couple of times and could not find it. I had my ID in there, my Social Security number, so that was my entire life."

But, life has a funny way of putting the right people in your path at the right juncture.

"I was walking toward Conroe to find work and I saw this purse right in the middle of (Highway) 105," said Bobby Allen, Sr. "It looked a little damaged. I didn't think much of it. I thought, just pass it up - but I noticed it was real puffy. I thought, well probably something's in it. I went and checked it out, and this lady's ID and bank card, she had cash in there. I mean the full booty of life was in there," said Allen.

Allen just happened to have a good heart and Roberts got a call from police that changed her outlook.

"He verified information and he just said, we have your wallet. This good Samaritan turned it into us," said Roberts. "I thought, well maybe the cash is gone - or maybe this or that."

But, she was wrong. It was all there -- down to the loose change. Certainly Allen who is out of work and walks everywhere could've used the money.

"I could've, yes, but it's someone else's money. Esmeralda did not go work as hard as she does to make a bunch of money for me," said Allen. "She did it for her family and her kids."

He chose to do the right thing. The two strangers have talked on the phone.

"He told me it's been a rough few years for him. He was working and he was laid off," said Roberts.

"She has a beautiful, wonderful personality - I can't wait to meet her tomorrow," said Allen.

The two plan to meet Tuesday evening in Conroe. Call this crossroads chance, luck, or serendipity-or just an early Christmas gift courtesy of an angel.

"We see so many bad stories in the news all the time, and I thought not only do I want to recognize this man, I wanted to share it with everyone. (He) renewed my sense of hope," she said.