Like everyone, I was electrified by all the hubbub surrounding the record-breaking lottery bounty weeks ago. Hubbubs are always fun, and I think that mind-boggling, $640 million prize had the entire country dreaming big.

I kicked myself for not taking a trip to Montana for lottery tickets, suddenly mindful of the adage, “You can’t win if you don’t play.” It’s crazy not to spend a few bucks on a remote chance of eternal, financial security. We know we can’t buy our way into heaven, but with $640 million, one could at least make an offer.

The three lucky dogs with the winning numbers each won $213 million. It reminded me of high school in the early ’70s when the Pennsylvania lottery first opened shop. The first instant millionaire was Telford Blough, whose family lived only miles from us. Blough is a common name back there, but a lot of people thought my father Alfred was that big winner.

Pop wasn’t a gambler but was a cheapskate, so he never would have risked a buck against big odds. Thus, he toiled in the steel mills all his life and had such little money hidden in his sock drawer, it was barely worth my time rifling the drawer for pinball machine money. And really, the big paydays never seem to happen to common folk like me and my dad anyway.

That’s what I thought anyways, until I opened an email on March 30 to learn I didn’t even need the lottery to realize my dream of never having to get up before noon again. Thanks to David H. Hodnet, that dream is only a few preliminary steps removed from reality. I’m still in a state of shock and disbelief.

My hands trembled as I read the unbelievable, which I’ve shared with no one until now. It began, “I’m Dr. David Hodnet, investment portfolio manager of ABSA Bank of South Africa.” (I underlined “Dr.” to stress this wasn’t from some clown that just fell off a turnip truck). “I’m sure you’ll be surprised to read from me considering we don’t know each other, but I’m soliciting for your humble assistance in transferring the sum of $9 million dollars which I found here in my bank in one of the default accounts whom the owner was a foreigner and a miner here in my country, South Africa.

“This according to our records was opened since 1990 and till date no person has operated on this account, and our investigations has proved the sole beneficiary was involved in a ghastly motor accident and there is no next of kin registered after his death.”

At this point, I felt compassion for the poor soul who died in an accident — particularly a ghastly one — yet wondered how it pertained to me. I soon found out.

“I want you to correspond with me so that I can furnish you all details of this account and make you the beneficiary for our both investment profits. Should this proposal meet your approval, please reply me and confirm your interest and indicate your cell phone number.

“I have resolved to offer you 30 percent of this fund, while 5 percent is mapped out for contingent expenses we may both incur and the rest shall be for my compensation as the initiator. For further clarifications, I can be reached at…” (I’m not stupid enough to divulge his phone number to every Tom, Dick and Harry unethical enough to snatch what is rightfully mine).

The letter concluded, “I wait to read from you should this letter interest you.”

Oh boy, DOES it! I believe God helps those who help themselves, and I’ve been blessed with sound instincts and good judgment. Only a fool wouldn’t act on a golden opportunity, and Dr. Hodnet signed off with, “Thanks, and remain bless,” which tells me he’s most likely a godly man.

The night before the lottery winners were announced, an episode of 20/20 profiled past winners, many whose lives were ruined as a direct result of their sudden riches. I’m determined that not happen to me. I’ll continue to live a simple life and may even continue working occasionally. Not because I love working or anything, but because it always sounds noble when someone suddenly wealthy says that.

I know what you’re thinking: “If something sounds too good to be true, it usually isn’t.” Well, there are exceptions to every rule, and this is obviously one of them. I don’t know how or why I was chosen; fate seldom reveals such details. I’m just eternally grateful for the blessing and for the ghastly accident that made it possible.