Gold Bullion and the REO

About a year ago, a house 4 down from mine was facing foreclosure. Entertaining the idea of buying it, I met with the owner of the house to take a tour. He was a sad man named John. He was in his 40's and disabled. He had been in a car accident that left him with a bad back. John ended up getting his back fused in what was suppose to be a helpful operation. According to him, the surgeon botched it, leaving bolts in his back that he could feel every time he took a step. He He was left in chronic pain and jobless.
When I toured his house that day, he showed extreme pride in the house that was about to be auctioned off. He showed us around and pointed out home projects he worked on, before he had his surgery. John told us that he had relied on his wife to pay the bills during his time of woe and she didn't. They were now facing foreclosure and can't get out of it since there wasn't any money left.
John told us he would be there to clean out some of the stuff he use to own. He also explained that he was looking for his gold bullion. John told us that he was once in the dental industry and made all sorts of things with metals for the mouth. He used to make gold earrings for his daughter and family members and he new he still had a piece somewhere in his garage. That gold would provide him some financial relief for him. At least that is what he thought. John said he worked in his garage, that was outfitted with a wood stove and direct t.v., a man's palace I thought. Especially when getting along with the wife wasn't an option.
I ended up making an offer but the wife wouldn't sign it. The house became bank owned and went to auction. It didn't get bidder and now, 1 year later, I am watching the real estate sign go up in front of the house. Every day, more and more belonging from the home accumulate at the end of the driveway, waiting for garbage day. Dressers, shelves, stereos, junk etc. As the pile gets greater and greater, I often wonder if that piece of gold bullion every found its way out from the garage. Who knows, hope the guy found it, but somehow, i doubt it. Too the lucky future homeowner, check that garage, you never know what you will find.