The Missing Key: How a chance encounter led to an extraordinary find

MATTHEWS, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — Even if the sun wasn’t filtering through the trees, Chrissy Stublaski would still feel the light.

“I used to call her my sunshine, because she would make the room light up,” said Chrissy.

Her backyard is the background for her many memories of Mom. These days, it all reminds her of what she lost when her mom, Erma, passed away four years ago.

“It’s like, I’ve wanted a sign from her,” said Chrissy.

As is the case for most pleas or prayers, the answer often comes unexpectedly.

“Sometimes, you can’t even get a parking place right there,” said Donna Akers.

On Tuesday, Donna was grabbing lunch. Between the ‘Jersey Mike’s’ and ‘Chipotle’ signs, she noticed something on the ground.

“It’s not something that just pops up out of the blue in the parking lot,” said Donna.

A small, silver key chain with a faded picture of a little girl was sitting on the ground. It wasn’t anything expensive or fancy, but it looked like something someone would treasure. So, Donna picked it up, took a picture and posted it on Facebook.

She wrote, “Found in the parking lot near Jersey Mike’s and Chipotle in Matthews. Looking for the owner in case if it may hold sentimental value.”

“I didn’t think I’d have a hit, and it was almost immediate,” said Donna.

“I looked down, and this picture caught my eye,” said Chrissy.

“Then I got full-body chills,” said Donna.

“I was like, Dad, that’s me, right? I’m not crazy, right?” remembered Chrissy.

Chrissy hadn’t seen the key chain in years—maybe decades. Her mom used to jingle it so Chrissy could hear when she was close.

“I cannot wait to see this,” said Chrissy, as Donna pulled up to drop off the key chain. “Oh my God, this is me.”

Chrissy has no idea when it disappeared or how it ended up in the parking lot.

“Literally, like it just fell from heaven,” said Chrissy.

Could it be a coincidence? Chance? Something… more?

We may never know.

But even in the unknown, there’s an understanding that not having an answer… is the answer.

“To me, this means she’s still here,” said Chrissy, holding the key chain. “Absolutely unbelievable, she’s still here.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.