I Laid My Son to Rest 15 Years Ago – When I Hired a Man at My Store, I Could Have Sworn He Looked Exactly Like Him

And right below that gap was a short explanation: incarcerated.

Most people would’ve tossed the resume aside right then.

I didn’t. Maybe it was the memories of my late son that made me do what I did.

Instead, I picked up the phone and called the number on the page.

There was a seven-year gap in his work history.

Barry arrived for the interview the following afternoon. When he stepped into the office and sat across from me, he looked nervous but determined. The resemblance hit me even harder.

For a moment, I couldn’t speak.

He gave a small, awkward smile.

“I appreciate the chance to interview, sir.”

His voice pulled me back to reality.

The resemblance hit me even harder.

I glanced down at the resume again. “You’ve got a gap here.”

“Yes, sir. I made mistakes in my youth. I paid for them. I just want a chance to prove I’m not that person anymore.”

His honesty surprised me. Most people would have danced around the subject.

I studied him carefully. The more I looked, the more the strange feeling.

He looked so much like my Barry that it felt as if I were sitting across from him.

Then I made a decision. “Job starts Monday.”

“You’ve got a gap here.”

Barry blinked in surprise. “You’re serious?”

“I don’t joke about hiring.”

His shoulders dropped with relief. “Thank you. You won’t regret it!”

I believed him, but Karen didn’t. The moment I told my wife about the new hire that evening, she exploded.

“An ex-con?” she shouted. “Are you out of your mind?!”

“He served his time,” I replied calmly.

“Are you out of your mind?!”

“That doesn’t mean he’s safe!” she shot back. “What if he robs us?”

I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my temples.

Karen had always been cautious, but losing Barry made her protective of everything.

“I trust my instincts,” I said.