Teen Returns Money Father Stole From Widow, Receives Huge Surprise (VIDEO)
Christian Lunsford, 15, was ashamed of his father's actions when he mugged a woman who was visiting her husband's gravesite at the local cemetery. The teenager decided to make amends and returned the money to the victim, Tona Herndon.
"We were on our way to Tulsa to visit some people and I got a call from the county jail," Lunsford told News 9. "I didn't answer it, but I kind of suspected who it was because this isn't the first time. When I found out this whole situation, I didn't know if it was hers or his or how… I just knew I needed to give the money to her."
Herndon described the day that 39-year-old Shane Lunsford approached her in the cemetery.
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"I looked him right in the eyes and there was a look in his eyes," she noted. "It was a look of pain and my thought was, 'He doesn't really want to do this.'"
After Christian learned what his father had done, he asked to meet Herndon at the First Baptist Church where his family regularly attends. He wanted to meet her and apologize for his father's actions face-to-face and returns the $250 his father took.
"This is a very blessed family," Herndon said. "I thank them so much for what they wanted to do, to make things right. That was wonderful."
Yet Herndon had a surprise up her sleeve, as she gave the money back to the Lunsford teen. He was quite shocked at her actions.
"I didn't expect that at all, but it meant a lot. I was very surprised actually," the teen said. He plans to use the money for a band trip this fall.
"He gave and I received, and I gave and he received, so it worked out," Lunsford said.
People familiar with the story have praised both Christian and Herndon for their actions after the ordeal.
"God rain down His blessing on Christian's mother and stepdad," News 9 reader Darrell Ferguson posted online.
"You just showed all of us that there is still hope!" added Chad Decker. "Proud of the decision you made... keep it up your [sic] a fine young man."
Watch video of the emotional encounter HERE:
