Woman Wins $188 Million Lotto Prize But Ends Up Losing Control Over Her Life

Woman Wins $188 Million Lotto Prize But Ends Up Losing Control Over Her Life

Sukriti February 10, 2018   Shallotte, North Carolina

What a compelling invention it is; the whole concept of the lottery. Have you ever tried your luck in lottery tickets? We all know the probability of winning a lottery, its almost zero. Still, these lottery tickets attract us every now and then.

Some of us never buy these tempting tickets but everyone has wondered at least once about winning them. How incredibly it can change one’s life within a blink of eyes. But everything comes with a cost that most of us won’t understand what it might take unless we’ve experienced it.

A story of luck, fate, good, bad, consequences, threats and more. The story of Marie Holmes has all in it. Like most of us, her life too was filled with ups and downs. Sadly for her, life was mostly about hard times and very rarely she had good days in her life. But the way her life changed has always been a dream for millions of people.

Trying Hard

Marie Holmes, a 27-year-old single mother was on her daily job routine. Working hard to fulfill her four kids’ daily needs. She was trying to save as much as she can for their future. No matter how hard she tried to bring things in the right place, Marie was never able to cop up with the rapid speed life actually demanded out of her.

At this time she was completely unaware of the fact that her life was about to change forever. Only time would tell how long Marie’s life is actually going to be on track.

In 2015, Marie’s life changed in no time when she won the North Carolina’s Powerball lottery. She didn’t win any ordinary amount rather a huge amount of $188 million. It wasn’t just a simple win and settled life from there on as this lottery took Marie to an episode of “Iyanla: Fix My Life.” What happened to her that after winning such a huge amount also she ended up on a show that is all about guiding people about their choices and mistakes?

The Win-Win

Marie was working at different jobs to earn. Although we all know the easier way to earn money is to give a lottery ticket a try. That day when she went to buy a ticket, she knew the chances were zero for her to win the lottery yet she went on to give it a try. Isn’t that the case with most of the people who spend money on the lottery tickets? Well, this one ticket that Marie bought one day was her biggest gift and nightmare to herself.

The Pastor

Marie is a strong believer in Christianity. She followed the words of pastor Kevin Matthews who worked as a leader of his community at Shallotte, North Carolina. Marie has been attending his meetings since childhood. Kevin has been giving Marie advice at every other stage of her life. He has always been a savior to Marie and the fact that whenever she was in trouble or a doubtful situation she ran to Kevin for help. But Marie’s winning of the lottery was the start of bitterness in their relationship.

Winning The Jackpot

The day she bought this state lottery ticket from a nearby convenience store, she prayed before entering the shop. When the time to announce the winner was here, she patiently waited for the announcement of the winning numbers and try her luck on the state lottery.

When the lucky numbers were announced, Marie couldn’t believe the ticket she was holding in her hands read exact numbers as the anchor said. It was February of 2015 when she felt as if she’s at the top of the world. Who knew that the real challenges and criticization were still on the way.

Claiming The Money  

Marie couldn’t really believe that she won the lottery and she stood there in shock, not saying one single word. All she knew that she had around 6 months for claiming the big amount of money. She had two different methods of claiming this money.

The first one was to get the $188 million in yearly installments for the next 30 years, ie, $530,000 each year, the second option was to get all at once but in that case, she’ll be getting $127 million all in all after deducting the taxes. Marie made the obvious choice.

Take It All

Marie made the choice of getting it all at once. She was assuming that this will make her and her kids’ lives better. Just as the grass always looks greener on the other side, Marie was looking on the other side as a doorway to the perfect future that she has been longing for throughout her life. Keeping her hopes high she was having all these great ideas of what she’ll be doing with this money.

Dressing The Part   

Marie, who lived in poverty since her birth was now one step away from becoming a millionaire. Life has been so tough on her that she knew what it was like living in a trailer, that was her home for the most of her life. Her excitement was on the ninth cloud and obviously, she couldn’t hide it anyway. “I thought I was going to have a heart attack when I saw the ticket and checked it,’’ she told how she felt that life was offering a second chance which rarely anyone gets.

Stay Anonymous

Mostly lotteries give an option to the winners to keep their names hidden as anonymous, however, telling everyone and becoming the center of everyone’s attention, who doesn’t want that? Not only this once the lottery winner starts spending the amount lavishly eventually everyone gets to know about it. So, why not tell it to them aloud? The winners don’t see what comes up with this overnight achievement and fame can easily get trapped under the dense clouds of danger.

What To Do With It All?

Well, most people think of what will they do of this money even when they are buying the ticket and as Marie won the lottery everyone wanted to know what was her plans. Although the most advisable thing to do is to get a financial planner as well as a lawyer who can save and prepare you for the unforeseen consequences of so much money.

Like almost every lottery winner Marie too wasn’t interested in doing any of this. This is normal to think that one can handle her money by herself and that she doesn’t need any help. Her first big mistake.

All For Them

Marie was so overwhelmed that she told in an interview, “everything is all for them…All the struggle that I ever went through, it was all for them. I want them to understand that money doesn’t change you, but it can help you. So they don’t have to worry about debt, none of that. They can go to college, all on me.”

Take Me To Church

Marie was about to climb the ladder of her dreams. Her first step was to donate a large amount to her community church. The church has been by her side in rough times. Especially Kevin Matthews, the savior who helped her both emotionally and financially at times.

 It was in return of the community’s favor towards Marie and her family. According to Kevin, he would stand by her side no matter what. The pastor was actually about to bring her into the biggest problematic situation of her entire life.

Giving Back To The Community

Marie discussed with Pastor Matthews about her willingness to give at least 10% of her total in hand amount. She wanted this money to go towards the building of a retreat. As per her, the agreement was of donating $1.5 million to the church which was quite a good amount to give. And being generous towards those who stood on her side is the best thing one can do, right?

Her Donation

This happens a lot where a lotto winner decides to donate a large amount of their prize to the place or community they believe in. However, Marie’s donation was one of the biggest ever given to a particular house of worship. Many people promised and gave huge amounts to monks, fathers or priests but Marie was appreciated everywhere for her work.

From Poor To Rich

Marie’s life is a perfect example of the statement, “more money more problems.” Marie was hoping it to be the biggest day but in reality, this money was about to cause her great troubles. She obviously never lived or felt what richness is like.

More Money, More Problems

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Marie settled on $1.5 million dollars to be given to the community in two installments. It was a direct verbal agreement with Kevin. Marie paid the first installment, ie, $700,000 on time soon after she won the lottery money. Meanwhile, Marie was preparing to give her second and final installment, pastor Kevin’s demand suddenly raise.

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