Man answers someone else’s mail, responds and gain an accidental uncle: 'He also sent $10'

We never know who we'll build a connection with in this world, or what shape that connection will take. Sometimes it comes through people we've known forever — other times, it comes through complete strangers. This is a case of the latter, beginning with just a piece of mail sent to the wrong address, unexpectedly leading to the most wholesome bond. It all started when artist Devin Parker Jacobs (@devinparkerjacobs on Instagram) received a birthday card earlier this month, addressed to someone named Declan. The names and addresses were similar, and it happened to arrive on his own birthday, so he opened it — only to realize the card was meant for a child.

Inside was a cheerful illustration of a dinosaur, a $50 bill, and a handwritten message, "Dear Declan, Wishing you a wonderful Birthday. Love, Uncle Mike." Instead of setting it aside or keeping it, Devin decided to respond. He returned the card and the money, but not before adding his own touch: a hand-drawn image of a dinosaur bursting out of a birthday cake — a twist on the cartoon featured atop the card he'd received — and a carefully written apology addressed to Uncle Mike. The letter read, "Declan no longer lives at this apartment. This apartment is now inhabited by Devin Parker Jacobs, an artist whose birthday must be close to Declan's (May 15th). Since our names are similar, I accidentally opened your card thinking it was addressed to me, for my birthday. As an apology, please accept this pen drawing inspired by the card and the money enclosed."

He signed it, "I am a scoundrel, but I am no thief — your new nephew, Devin Parker Jacobs (DPJ)." He shared how he had assumed he'd never hear back, but just a few days later, another envelope showed up. This one was addressed directly to him, and it held a handwritten response from Uncle Mike himself, dated May 30, 2025. It read, "Dear Devin Parker Jacobs, Thanks for sending back the card and for your fabulous dinosaur. Declan loves it, so does my whole family. You're sort of a hero. Your birthday & Declan's fell on the same day (May 15), and therefore introduced us to such a cool guy and talented artist. We love you, man. — Uncle Mike. P.S. Would like to buy you a couple of beers (or whatever)." Mike also included a $10 bill in the return letter, a gesture Devin said was "super nice of him."

He said it was probably "the craziest thing" that ever happened to him and that he's already working on "a very thorough response." The story resonated with viewers, who were drawn to the way a small decision led to a brief but meaningful connection. @littlemisscurlysunshine said, "Omg, I'm so totally invested now! What a ride." @artbychristinev wrote, "I wasn't ready for you and Declan having the same birthday." @bannedfromprom added, "Thank you so much for sending that money back. I'm a bad person, I would've just taken it." @meghanthemiss commented, "Hear me out. Interactions like this are a dying art of past generations. Kids raised on screens and a world that's becoming more dishonest and hostile every day — it warms my heart to know stories like this one are still happening."

You can follow Devin Parker Jacobs (@devinparkerjacobs) on Instagram for more art content.