In today's social climate, most people have become skeptical over the intentions of others.

Although it's become the norm to question the actions of others, every once in a while we get a glimmer of hope that people in the world aren't as heartless as we believe them to be.  

One restaurant owner from Tucson, Arizona had her faith in humanity restored when she received a letter and $1,000 in cash from a former employee.

"It's been 20 years, but I still carry great remorse."

Back in July, Carlotta Flores had her purse stolen and felt disheartened with society.

"I'd lost my faith in humanity "” I felt like I'd been knocked down," she said in an interview with PEOPLE. "I didn't really care much at all that day about mankind."

However, when she returned to her family's Mexican restaurant, El Charro Cafe, her son gave her a letter that shook her to her core.  

Although the envelope didn't have a return address, the former waitress apologized for stealing from the restaurant and included ten $100 bills with the note.

"Dear Carlotta and Family - I worked for you as a waitress very briefly back in the 1990s.

One of the waiters I worked with had encouraged me to "˜forget' to ring in a few drinks a shift and pocket the cash. And for some stupid reason, I did it. It's been 20 years, but I still carry great remorse.

I am very sorry that I stole from you. Please accept my apology and this money as repayment + 20 years of interest.

May God forever bless you+ your family - A thankful former employee."

"It restored my faith that there are good people out there."

Flores said that while the note took her by surprise, she was touched her former employee reached out to her.

"I was touched that this woman had taken such a leap of faith, sending cash through the mail like that," Flores told the publication.

"It restored my faith that there are good people out there. I sat there and asked, "˜Would any of us have done the same to make a wrong right?' One thousand dollars is a lot of money. I decided to use it as a teaching lesson."

Flores - who owns three restaurants which have been in her family for more than 100 years - discussed what to do with the money, and she along with her husband Ray and their three children, Raymon, Marques and Candace decided to pay it forward.

The Floreses decided to create a fund to help struggling workers in the hospitality industry, and will continue to add money for "waiters, waitresses and cooks in need."

"I know that wherever this person is, whoever she is, she had to work hard to earn that money and send it to us," Flores said.

"I want her to know that her decision has made a huge impact. We'll be passing along her example of doing the right thing for many years to come."

[H/T: PEOPLE]

Have you ever had something stolen returned to you? Tell us your story in the comments!