In the quaint town of Hobart, Indiana, a unique story emerged that blends family love, creativity, and a touch of the supernatural. After the passing of Mary Anderson’s father, her six-year-old son, Collin, began to exhibit signs of distress. He followed his mother from room to room, seemingly terrified of the very home he once felt safe in.
Key Points
Child’s Fear of the Unknown
Collin’s fear stemmed from a belief that his grandfather’s ghost was haunting their home. He claimed to have seen his grandfather’s figure on multiple occasions, which left him feeling anxious and insecure. The little boy even refused to go to the bathroom alone, opting instead to sit outside the door while his mother bathed. Mary, perplexed and concerned for her son’s well-being, sought ways to alleviate his fears.
In an attempt to comfort Collin, Mary reassured him that his grandfather would eventually leave their home. However, it was Collin who ultimately came up with a rather unconventional solution to his ghostly dilemma. One day, he innocently suggested that his mother should sell his grandfather on eBay.
Creative Solution
Intrigued by her son’s idea, Mary did some research and discovered that eBay prohibits the sale of intangible items that cannot be delivered. This limitation sparked a creative thought: she possessed her father’s beloved cane, an item he had never been without during his lifetime.
To ease Collin’s fears, Mary decided to post her father’s cane on eBay for a seven-day auction. In her listing, she made a heartfelt request: the buyer should send a letter to Collin, assuring him that they had received both the cane and his grandfather, and that both were doing well.
An Unexpected Auction Success
To Mary’s astonishment, the auction for the cane generated 137 bids. The responses from bidders varied widely, with some expressing concern for Collin and others humorously inquiring about a warranty for the ghost. One bidder even asked if Mary could guarantee that the ghost wouldn’t cause any trouble, citing previous experiences with “bad” ghosts.
The auction culminated in a surprising twist when an online casino called Golden Palace, based in Antigua, placed the winning bid of $65,000 on December 4, 2004. Known for their interest in oddities, the casino was eager to add the cane with a ghostly connection to their collection. This was not their first unusual purchase; they had previously bought a grilled cheese sandwich that bore the image of the Virgin Mary for $25,000.
A Happy Ending
After the sale, Mary framed the letter sent by the casino and hung it in Collin’s bedroom. This creative solution proved effective; following the sale, Collin no longer reported seeing his deceased grandfather.
This heartwarming story highlights the lengths a mother will go to for her child’s peace of mind, as well as the unexpected ways in which we can confront our fears. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, a little creativity can lead to extraordinary outcomes—even in the face of the supernatural.
In a world where ghost stories often end in fright, Mary and Collin’s tale stands out as a testament to love, ingenuity, and the power of family bonds. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this story is sure to leave you with a smile and perhaps a newfound appreciation for the unexpected twists life can take.
