A homeless man whose life has been turned around after he returned a diamond ring that was dropped into his collection cup has been reunited with siblings he has not seen for 16 years. Billy Ray Harris made headlines around the world when he gave the ring, worth several thousand dollars, back to its owner, Sarah Darling. Ms Darling and her fiance set up a fundraising page to thank him.
With the $180,000 raised from public donations, Mr Harris has been able to buy a house and get a job. But the good news doesn’t end there. Siblings of Mr Harris, who thought he had died, saw coverage of his story in the US media and the family members were reunited in emotional scenes on the programme Today.com. Mr Harris, who believed he was on the show to talk about returning the ring to Ms Darling, was surprised and speechless when his three sisters and brother, who he had not seen in 16 years, appeared on set.
“It’s a total shock,” he said. “I’ve got it all here right now.” His sister, Nellie E Vaughn, told the Today.com show that she feared he had died. “For years we were wondering if he was alive. It’s good news.”
I – Word Understanding
Turned around – turning in an opposite situation
Reunited – come together again
Fundraising – raise money for a cause or project
Fiance – a man or woman who is engaged
Siblings – brother or sister
Speechless – unable to speak, esp. as the temporary result of shock or some strong emotion
II – Have your say
1.Nowadays, if people find some so valuable things such a diamond, they would definitely not consider returning it back to its owner. They would rather think that it’s a gift from God.
2.Getting rich is not the result of saving, or “thrift”; many very penurious people are poor, while free spenders often get rich.
028 Homeless man who returned diamond ring reunited with long lost family
