Emma Richards was an old, poor, and lonely woman. Every day felt the same—quiet, empty, and heavy with memories of her late husband, John. They had been married for years but never had children. Whenever someone asked her why, she would just shrug and change the subject.
Seven years had passed since John’s death, but Emma still felt the ache of his absence. She lived alone in a small house, taking care of herself the best she could. Life felt cold and hollow—until one unusual day when her doorbell rang.
Emma slowly made her way to the door. Standing outside was a delivery man in his 40s, wearing a mask. He held several large boxes.
“Hello,” Emma said, puzzled. “I’m not expecting any packages. May I know who this is from?”
The man shook his head politely. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but these packages were sent anonymously. Don’t worry—our security checked them, and they’re completely safe. These are for you.” He placed the boxes gently on the table near the door.
Emma looked at him with confusion and whispered, “That’s strange… thank you, sweet boy.” She closed the door, her curiosity already burning.
As soon as she opened the first box, her eyes widened. Inside were small household appliances—a shiny oven toaster, a sandwich press, and even a new coffee maker.
She gasped. “Who would give me all of these?”
The second box was filled with clothes and groceries. Day after day, more packages arrived. And each time, it was the same delivery man at her door. Eventually, Emma decided to talk to him.
“What is your name, sweet boy?” she asked one afternoon, smiling kindly.
“My name is Ted Harrison,” he replied warmly. Then, as if remembering something, he handed her an envelope. “Mrs. Richards, the sender requested for us to give you this. I’ll wait while you read it.”
Emma quickly opened the envelope. Inside was a simple note:
Mrs. Richards, please let me know what you need for yourself, and I will grant them.
Emma gasped. “Oh, I am dying to know who has been giving me all of these! And now that person even wants me to make requests!”
Ted smiled gently. “I’m sure the sender loves you very dearly, even though you don’t know who it is.”
Touched, Emma sat down and wrote a small list. She didn’t want to take advantage, so she only asked for basic necessities.
From then on, every time Ted came by, Emma would prepare him little snacks—cookies, sandwiches, or tea. Ted gladly accepted, and soon, their meetings became the highlight of Emma’s days. He wasn’t just a delivery man anymore; he became her companion. He even helped around the house—fixing things, carrying groceries, and sometimes just sitting with her while she shared stories of her past.
For a month, this went on. But then—suddenly—Ted didn’t show up.
Emma waited, worried. The next day, she decided to visit the local post office. Carrying a small box of donuts, she asked the young receptionist, “Excuse me, can you please page Ted Harrison? I just wanted to give him something.”
The receptionist frowned. “I’m sorry, ma’am. There’s nobody named Ted Harrison working here.”
Emma froze. “Oh… but he’s been delivering my packages every day,” she murmured, her heart sinking. Disappointed and confused, she slowly walked back home, her mind racing.
Who could this kind Samaritan be? Did I go to the wrong post office? Was Ted even real—or was he pretending to be a delivery man?
When she reached her porch, Emma noticed a small box waiting by the door. Inside was a single key and a folded note. Her hands shook as she read:
I learned the truth just a month ago when I hired a private investigator to find out where I came from. I know you blame yourself for the past, but I don’t blame you. You and dad couldn’t feed me, so you gave me up for adoption. I grew up in a wealthy family who loved me, but something was always missing. That missing piece was you, Mom.
You’re what I’ve been lacking all my life. I recently bought a house, and this key is for you. Please, allow me to take care of you. With love, your delivery man, Ted.
Emma’s knees went weak. Tears poured down her face as the truth sank in. Ted—her Ted—was her long-lost son. She had thought about him for years, haunted by guilt over the decision she and John made long ago.
Back then, they were drowning in debt. When she found out she was pregnant, they knew they couldn’t provide for a child. With heavy hearts, they left their baby at an orphanage, along with a letter explaining their choice. They never signed their names, but somehow—Ted had found her.
Emma wiped her tears, ready to rush out and find him. But just as she stood up, someone knocked on the door. Her heart raced. She opened it—and there he was.
“Hi, Mom,” Ted said softly.
Emma burst into tears. “I can’t believe it. My son!” She threw her arms around him, sobbing. “I am so sorry, sweetheart. I truly am. Please, forgive me.”
Ted held her tightly. “You don’t need to apologize, Mom. I’m here because I want to spend more time with you. It’s not too late. We can still be a family.”
That night, they packed Emma’s belongings into boxes. A truck was waiting outside. Ted helped her load everything, and together they drove to his home.
Emma’s eyes widened when she saw Ted’s wife and children waiting at the door. They greeted her warmly, hugging her and calling her “Grandma.” For the first time in years, Emma felt truly loved.
From that day on, she was never alone again.
Lesson:
The past doesn’t have to chain us. Emma believed she had lost her son forever, but forgiveness gave them a second chance. Ted chose not to live in anger—he chose love. And because of that, a broken family found healing.
