Bob Hollis was running late. His heart pounded as he rushed through the airport, barely able to process the shocking phone call he’d received an hour ago. A Florida hospital had just informed him that a baby girl had been born, and he was listed as the father.
At first, he thought it was a prank. But deep down, he knew it wasn’t. His wife, Mary, was in Florida on a short vacation—one he had arranged for her while he renovated their home as a surprise. Now, instead of surprising her, he was being told that she had given birth two months early.
Panic swirled inside him as he booked the earliest flight he could. He had to get to her. He had to see his child.
Bob and Mary had always dreamed of a big family. They had already adopted three children, something that had been close to Bob’s heart because he himself had grown up in foster care.
“If I can give these kids a home, if I can help them become the best versions of themselves, then I’ll feel like I made a difference,” he had told Mary countless times.
Bob also had two grown children from his previous marriage, a union that had ended after his ex-wife, Ellen, had an affair with their pool boy. That chapter of his life had been painful, but meeting Mary had healed him. She was his second chance at love, and together, they had built a home filled with love and laughter.
When they found out Mary was pregnant, it had felt like a miracle. After years of trying, they were finally going to have a child of their own. That was why Bob had started renovating the house—he wanted their little girl to have the perfect home.
But now, as his plane landed in Florida, all those dreams shattered. The moment he stepped off, dread settled in his stomach like a heavy stone. He rented a car and drove straight to the hospital, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
When he arrived, a nurse led him to an office. Inside sat an elderly woman, her silver hair pulled into a neat bun. A nameplate on the desk read: Mrs. Meredith Sticks—Hospital Volunteer.
Bob barely sat down before asking, “Where’s my wife? What happened?”
Mrs. Sticks looked at him with kind but sorrowful eyes. “Mr. Hollis, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. 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 gut. His world tilted, and a sharp, unbearable pain cut through his chest. “No,” he whispered, shaking his head. “No, that can’t be right…” Tears blurred his vision. He had been planning a surprise for her. Now, she was gone.
Mrs. Sticks allowed him time to grieve, her presence a steady comfort. After a while, she cleared her throat gently. “Your daughter is in the neonatal unit. She’s strong, despite being born early. I understand you’ve come to take her home, but I need to be sure you’re ready.”
Bob wiped his eyes and took a deep breath. “I already have children. I know how to be a father.”
Mrs. Sticks nodded. “I believe you do. But if you ever need anything, here’s my number.” She handed him a slip of paper. “Call me.”
Bob thanked her, though he doubted he’d need to call. He was just focused on getting his daughter home.
Everything went smoothly until he reached the airport. At the boarding gate, a stern woman at the counter stopped him.
“Sir, is this your child?” she asked, eyeing the baby in his arms.
“Of course,” Bob replied, exhausted.
“How old is she?”
“Four days.”
The woman shook her head. “I’m sorry, sir. Airline policy states that newborns must be at least seven days old to fly. You’ll also need her birth certificate.”
Bob felt his patience snap. “Are you saying I have to stay here for three more days? I have no family here. I need to get home!”
“I understand, sir, but it’s the policy,” she said, already moving on to the next passenger.
Bob stood there, helpless. He had nowhere to go, no plan, and no idea what to do next. Just as he was about to resign himself to spending the night in the airport, he remembered Mrs. Sticks.
He hesitated. He hated asking for help, but his daughter needed shelter. Taking a deep breath, he dialed the number.
“Hello, Meredith,” he said, his voice thick with exhaustion. “I need your help.”
Mrs. Sticks didn’t hesitate. “Stay where you are. I’m coming.”
Within an hour, she arrived and took them to her home. Bob was stunned by her kindness. He had expected to be treated like an inconvenience, but instead, she welcomed him like family.
Over the next few days, she not only housed him but also helped him care for his daughter. She taught him how to soothe her cries, bathe her properly, and wrap her in warm blankets. She even arranged for Mary’s body to be transported home, something Bob hadn’t been able to bring himself to think about.
“I don’t know how to thank you,” Bob told her one evening.
“You don’t have to,” she replied with a smile. “Kindness isn’t about keeping score.”
During his stay, Bob learned about Mrs. Sticks’ life. She had four children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Yet, she still found room in her heart for him and his baby girl.
When the day finally came for him to fly home, he felt a deep sense of loss leaving her behind. “I’ll never forget what you did for us,” he promised.
And he didn’t. He stayed in touch with Mrs. Sticks, calling her often and visiting her with his daughter every year. Over time, their bond deepened. He became close to her family—especially her eldest daughter, Shirley. She had her mother’s warm heart and selflessness, and Bob found himself drawn to her.
Years later, when Mrs. Sticks passed away, a lawyer approached Bob after the funeral. “She left you something in her will,” he said, handing him an envelope.
Inside was a letter, along with a share of her inheritance. Bob was overwhelmed.
In her honor, he donated the money to a charity he co-founded with her children—a foundation to help foster children, just like Bob had once been.
Eventually, his friendship with Shirley blossomed into love, and they married. She became a mother to his six children, and together, they carried on Mrs. Sticks’ legacy of kindness.
What can we learn from this story?
- Kindness leaves a lasting impact. Bob never forgot the woman who helped him when he was lost. Her kindness inspired him to give back to others.
- Giving back creates ripples. Bob, once a foster child himself, dedicated his life to helping orphans. His story proves that even one act of compassion can change lives.
