Bob was running late. His heart pounded as he rushed through the airport, his mind racing with thoughts. Just moments ago, he had received an unexpected call from a hospital in Florida.
“Sir, a baby girl has just been born. You are listed as the father,” the nurse on the other end had said.
At first, he thought it was a mistake or even a cruel joke. But then he remembered—his wife, Mary, was in Florida. He had sent her there for a short vacation while he renovated their home. It was meant to be a surprise for her, a special gift before they welcomed their baby into the world.
Bob and Mary had always dreamed of having children. They had adopted three kids, as adoption was something close to both their hearts. Bob himself had grown up in a foster home, and he had made a promise to himself: “If I can help those kids grow up to be the best version of themselves, then I feel like I’ve made a difference.”
Despite their love for adoption, Bob and Mary had never given up hope of having a child of their own. Finally, after years of trying, Mary became pregnant. Bob was overjoyed and immediately started renovating their home to make space for a nursery and an extra room. Everything was supposed to be perfect.
But now, standing in the airport, he realized something was terribly wrong. If the hospital had called him about the baby, why hadn’t Mary called him herself?
He pushed the thought away, boarded the next flight to Florida, and prayed for the best.
When Bob arrived in Florida, he rented a car and drove straight to the hospital. The entire way, his hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. He had a bad feeling, and he was afraid to hear the truth.
As soon as he stepped inside the hospital, a nurse guided him to a quiet office. Sitting behind the desk was an elderly woman with kind eyes. Her name tag read “Mrs. Sticks.”
Bob wasted no time. “Where is my wife? Is she okay? What happened?”
Mrs. Sticks sighed, her eyes full of sorrow. “Please, Bob, have a seat.”
Bob shook his head. “I’d rather stand. Just tell me what happened.”
“I’m so sorry, Bob,” she said gently. “Your wife suffered complications during childbirth. The doctors did everything they could, but… she didn’t make it.”
The words hit Bob like a punch to the stomach. His legs wobbled, and he gripped the edge of the desk to keep himself steady. Tears filled his eyes, and before he knew it, he was sobbing uncontrollably.
Mrs. Sticks waited patiently, allowing him to grieve. When his breathing finally steadied, she spoke again. “Your daughter is in the nursery. She is healthy and waiting for you.”
Bob wiped his tears. He had lost the love of his life, but he still had a part of her left. “I need to take her home,” he said.
Mrs. Sticks nodded. “I understand. But before you leave, I need to make sure you are ready to care for her.”
“I already have children,” Bob assured her. “I know how to be a father.”
Satisfied, Mrs. Sticks handed him her phone number. “Call me if you need anything,” she said.
Bob thanked her, took his baby in his arms, and prepared to go home.
At the airport, Bob walked confidently to the check-in counter, holding his newborn daughter close to his chest. But when he reached the boarding gate, the airline worker stopped him.
“Sir, is this your child?” she asked, eyeing the tiny baby.
“Yes, she is,” Bob replied firmly.
“How old is she?” the woman asked.
“She’s four days old,” Bob said, growing impatient. “Now, can I get through?”
The woman shook her head. “I’m sorry, sir, but airline policy states that newborns must be at least seven days old before flying. You also need to provide her birth certificate.”
Bob’s heart sank. “Are you saying I have to stay here for the next three days?” he asked in frustration. “I have no family here. I need to get home today.”
“I’m sorry, sir. It’s the policy,” the woman said before turning to the next passenger in line.
Bob stood there, feeling lost. He had nowhere to go, no one to turn to. He was about to spend the night at the airport when he suddenly remembered Mrs. Sticks. He hesitated but then pulled out his phone and called her.
“Hello,” he said. “I need your help.”
Within an hour, Mrs. Sticks arrived at the airport. She welcomed Bob and his daughter into her home without hesitation.
“You can stay as long as you need,” she assured him.
Bob was overwhelmed by her kindness. “I don’t know how to thank you,” he said.
“Sometimes, people just need a little help,” she replied with a warm smile.
Bob stayed at Mrs. Sticks’ house for more than a week. She didn’t just offer him a place to stay; she helped him care for the baby, comforted him in his grief, and even assisted with arranging for Mary’s body to be transported home.
During his stay, Bob learned that Mrs. Sticks had four grown children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Together, they cared for the baby, took peaceful walks, and even visited the grave of her late husband. Bob felt as though he had found a second mother.
Finally, when his daughter’s birth certificate arrived, Bob was allowed to return home. But he never forgot Mrs. Sticks’ kindness. He kept in touch with her, visiting her every year with his daughter.
Years later, when Mrs. Sticks passed away, Bob was heartbroken. At her funeral, a lawyer approached him with unexpected news.
“Mrs. Sticks left you a portion of her inheritance,” the lawyer said.
Bob was stunned. In her honor, he donated the money to a charity that he founded along with her children. He also grew close to her eldest daughter, Shirley, and over time, love blossomed between them. Eventually, they married, and Shirley became a mother to Bob’s six children.
What did we learn from this story?
Kindness leaves a lasting impact. Mrs. Sticks helped Bob during his darkest moment, and he never forgot her generosity. Her kindness inspired him to create a charity that would help others.
Giving back is important. Bob, who was once a foster child, adopted three kids and later founded a charity to help more children in need. His story reminds us that kindness can change lives.
