Bob Hollis was running late. His hands trembled as he grabbed his suitcase, heart pounding in his chest. He had just received a shocking call from a hospital in Florida. A baby girl had been born, and he was listed as the father.
At first, he thought it was a mistake—a cruel prank. But deep down, he knew it had to be true. His wife, Mary, was in Florida. He had sent her there for a short vacation while he stayed back to renovate their home—a surprise for when she returned. But now, everything had changed.
Bob and Mary had dreamed of having a child of their own. They had tried for years without success, eventually adopting three beautiful children. Adoption was something close to their hearts, especially for Bob, who had grown up in foster care.
“If I can give kids a better life than I had, then I’ve made a difference,” he had once told Mary.
But they never gave up hope of having a biological child, and when Mary finally became pregnant, their joy was immeasurable. Bob had begun renovating the house, adding extra rooms, a nursery, making everything perfect for their growing family. He thought sending Mary to Florida would be a relaxing getaway before the baby arrived. He never expected a nightmare instead.
The hospital told him that Mary had gone into labor unexpectedly and suffered complications. Bob held his breath as he listened. Then came the words that shattered his world.
“Mr. Hollis… I’m so sorry. Your wife didn’t make it.”
The grief hit him like a wrecking ball, but there was no time to break down. His daughter was waiting for him. Without wasting a second, he packed his bags and caught the next flight to Florida.
The moment he landed, he rented a car and sped to the hospital, his mind racing. When he arrived, his hands were ice cold as he pushed open the doors. He was directed to the intensive care unit, where an elderly volunteer named Mrs. Meredith Sticks was waiting for him.
She was a kind-looking woman, with soft eyes that held wisdom and sorrow of her own.
“Mr. Hollis,” she greeted gently. “Please, have a seat.”
Bob shook his head. “I’d rather stand. Please, just tell me everything.”
She sighed deeply. “Your wife was strong, Mr. Hollis. She fought hard, but her body couldn’t take the stress of the labor. The doctors did everything they could.”
Bob clenched his jaw, his vision blurring. He had so many things left to say to Mary. So many dreams they had built together. But now…
“She left behind a beautiful baby girl,” Mrs. Sticks said softly. “She looks just like her mother.”
That was when Bob heard it—the tiny cry of a newborn. His heart clenched as the nurse wheeled in a small bassinet. He stepped closer, his breath catching.
His daughter.
She was wrapped in a pink blanket, her face scrunched up as she whimpered. Carefully, he picked her up, feeling the warmth of her tiny body against his chest.
“You’re not alone, sweetheart,” he whispered. “Daddy’s here.”
Mrs. Sticks placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “She’s lucky to have you. And if you ever need help, here’s my number. Call me anytime.”
Bob thanked her, holding onto the card she gave him. But at that moment, all he could think about was getting his baby home.
The next day, he headed to the airport, exhausted but determined. He reached the boarding gate, clutching his daughter close. But just as he was about to step forward, the airline staff stopped him.
“Sir, is this your child?” the woman at the counter asked.
“Yes, she is,” Bob said, tightening his grip on the baby carrier.
The woman frowned. “How old is she?”
“Four days. Why?”
“I’m sorry, sir, but airline policy states that newborns must be at least seven days old to fly. You’ll need to wait.”
Bob’s stomach dropped. “Wait? I don’t have anywhere to stay! I need to get home today.”
The woman shook her head. “I’m sorry, but these are the rules. Without a birth certificate and the minimum age requirement, you can’t board.”
Bob felt anger rising. “So what am I supposed to do? Sleep in the airport with a newborn?”
The woman simply moved on to the next passenger, leaving Bob stranded.
Desperate, he thought of the only person he knew in Florida—Mrs. Sticks.
He hesitated before dialing her number. He barely knew her. Would she even help him?
“Hello?” her warm voice answered.
Bob swallowed his pride. “Mrs. Sticks, I…I need your help.”
Without hesitation, she replied, “Stay where you are. I’m on my way.”
When she arrived, Bob was stunned by her kindness. She welcomed him and the baby into her home as if they were family. For a whole week, she cared for them, teaching Bob how to hold, feed, and soothe his daughter. She even helped him arrange for Mary’s body to be transported home for a proper burial.
“You don’t have to do all this,” Bob said one evening as he rocked his daughter to sleep.
Mrs. Sticks smiled gently. “Kindness costs nothing, dear. We all need help sometimes.”
During his stay, Bob learned more about her life. She had four grown children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She had lost her husband just months ago, and in a way, helping Bob helped her heal too. Together, they took walks, shared stories, and even visited her late husband’s resting place.
When the time came to return home, Bob felt a pang of sadness leaving her behind. But he promised to keep in touch. And he did. Every year, he visited her with his daughter, who grew to love the kind old woman.
Years later, when Mrs. Sticks passed away, Bob was devastated. At her funeral, a lawyer approached him with unexpected news.
“She left you part of her inheritance, Mr. Hollis. Just like she did for her children.”
Bob was overwhelmed. She had treated him like a son, and he had loved her like a mother. In her honor, he used the money to start a charity, working alongside her four children to help struggling families and orphans.
In time, something unexpected happened. Bob found love again—with Shirley, Mrs. Sticks’ eldest daughter. Their friendship blossomed into something more, and eventually, they got married. Shirley became a mother to his six children, and together, they carried on the legacy of kindness that Mrs. Sticks had left behind.
Lesson from the Story:
- Kindness leaves a lasting impact. Bob never forgot the woman who helped him in his darkest time. Her generosity inspired him to create something meaningful.
- Give back when you can. Bob had been a foster child himself, and he dedicated his life to helping others in similar situations. His story reminds us that a single act of kindness can change lives forever.
