Woman Turns Over Goodwill Picture Frame, Starts Crying Over What She Finds - Newsweek

A woman found herself moved to tears by what she found on the back of a picture frame at a Goodwill store.

In the past, Newsweek has reported on any number of memorable Goodwill finds, whether it was a signed first edition of a book selling for $2 or an entirely empty wine bottle. One lucky woman was even able to find her wedding dress at a Goodwill for just $20.

Goodwill stores are an increasingly popular destination for shoppers in search of bargains. Close to one in every two respondents shops at a Goodwill, according to a Statista survey of just over 800 U.S. adults.

However, the discovery Emily Downey made during a visit to a Goodwill in Toledo, Ohio, was a little different. Browsing through the items on display, she came across a seemingly ordinary piece of framed art. But it was only when she spotted what was written on the back of the picture that things changed.

In a video posted to Downey's TikTok account, emilykaed, she admitted she "started crying" when she turned the piece over and discovered about 15 different heartfelt messages written to the original owner.

"I think it was maybe given to her after leaving a job of some sort," Downey told Newsweek. "From what I remember, it said things like 'God bless you and your dedication and kindness.'"

Downey suspects the recipient may have been a teacher. "One of the messages said, 'Thank you for years of education,'" she said. "They all said how wonderful and kind she was. One of the messages was signed by a 'Pastor Tom.'"

She said the messages were "nothing but kind, sweet words thanking her" for what she had done. But Downey began to wonder what had become of the original recipient and thought the piece's presence there must have been a mistake.

"It made me feel sad because I knew most likely this person had passed away, because who would donate something so special," she said. "I assumed that maybe her children or someone didn't even know the back was signed when they brought it to Goodwill. It was probably such a special thing to her, so it just made me sad."

That thought of a prized possession no longer treasured touched a nerve for Downey. "I lost my mom tragically three years ago, and we were very careful of the things we donated, but ultimately we can't keep everything," she said. "So I know it wasn't a purposeful thing that it was donated. Just made it bittersweet to think how cherished she once was."

Touched by the "beautiful, meaningful notes" that were left on the frame, Downey posted the clip to TikTok as a reminder that the earthly possessions lost loved ones left behind "probably meant the world to someone" and, when possible, should be cherished and admired. For one final moment that day, this picture was one of them.