Family Bought an RV and Found a Hidden Message from the Previous Owner Inside

Have you ever bought something that had been owned by someone else — a car, a house, an RV — and found a note from the previous owner tucked away somewhere, hidden inside? This isn't quite the same thing, but I remember on my first day of college, my freshman year, two dudes knocked on my and my new roommate's door and said, "Hey can we look in your ceiling?"

Have you ever bought something that had been owned by someone else — a car, a house, an RV — and found a note or something from the previous owner tucked away somewhere, hidden inside? This isn't quite the same thing as the ceiling skis, but a family in Australia bought a caravan (that's what they call RVs) and came across something very unexpected — a letter from one of the previous owners. And it's adorable. 

"Hi, my name is Poppy and I am 10 years old," the letter reads. "This used to be our caravan and we traveled half of Australia in it. This was my bed (the top bunk) and it was very good. This draw [sic] (which is where you found this letter) was where I kept all of my special things that I couldn't leave behind when we went traveling.

"I hope that you enjoy this caravan very much. I am in grade five and I am very good at art. I have a message for you; follow your dreams and if you have the choice between being right or being kind choose kind. Enjoy this caravan."

I know this is not the point of this story, but can we take a moment just to appreciate a 10-year-old using a semicolon?! Because that's impressive. Needless to say, this letter touched the hearts of the family who bought the caravan, and they shared this letter with ABC Adelaide, who posted the letter on their Facebook page. 

The post went totally viral thanks to Poppy's profound advice, racking up over 90,000 reactions, 5,100 shares, and 1,500 comments. In the comments, many others shared notes and other things they've either found hidden or come across that have left a mark on their lives.

One man shared this letter, which was put on his car window around Christmastime last year. "It was a lovely message that came at a good time for me," he wrote. 

The note reads, "Happy Sunday! We don't know each other, and we'll probably never meet, but I just wanted to say I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. The world gets caught up in so much negativity and criticism, so I'm trying to break that pattern and share some good vibes.

"The little things we do can sometimes have a huge impact on others, so never underestimate a nice word, smile, or note left for someone. I hope life is wonderful for you — remember, it all starts in our minds. Merry Christmas and keep smiling!!"

It's true that a note of encouragement, no matter how anonymous, can make such a difference in someone's life. One woman shared a picture of a note she found in a plane magazine that cheered her up when she needed it most.

"Hello," it reads. "Whoever you are, or whatever is happening in your life right now, remember that you are good. You are loved. You are capable of great things. X" Everyone needs a little encouragement now and then, and while it's nice to get it from the people you love, it can be a wonderful surprise to get when you least expect it.

So if you've got access to a pen and paper and a desire to spread joy, it's that easy! Stick a note in a neighbor's mailbox. Hide one in your attic for the next person who moves into your home. Or heck, write a kind note to yourself and stick it in a book, to be found and opened later. It will make your day.