A little orphaned boy cries in church, begging God to send his mother to take him. The next minute, he turns pale when a voice answers from behind, saying, “I’ll take you.”
A string of untold emotions is attached to kids abandoned by their parents. Six-year-old Alan was one such neglected child who yearned to see his mother but never got that chance.
One day, in a serendipitous encounter in church, little Alan’s world shifted. He was crying, begging God to send his mom to him, telling God how different his world would be if his mother were with him.
Amid his loud cries and heartwarming argument with God, a strange voice spoke up from behind, offering to take him…
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“Dear Jesus, they say you hear everything. My guardians in the foster home told me to knock on your door and ask for everything I needed. I want my mommy. Can you please send her to me?”
“Alan, my boy! I’ve come for you. I’ve come to take you home.”
Alan cried as he folded his hands in prayer and stared at the crucifix. His eyes were painfully red, and his soft, pink cheeks were wet.
“My nanny told me you answer everyone’s prayers. Then why aren’t answering mine?”
The vestibule echoed with Alan’s loud cries. He was heartbroken. He did not want to return to the shelter, where kids often poked fun at him. They constantly taunted him saying his mom would never return and he had no choice but to wait for someone to adopt him.
“Nobody would be interested in taking a crybaby like you home,” were some of the harshest things he heard from fellow kids in the shelter. Alan cried his heart out that day, demanding God for an answer.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“Alan, shhh!” his guardian, Nancy, interrupted. “It’s a church. Be quiet, and don’t cry. People are watching you. Please calm down.”
Alan tried to control his tears. He kept staring at the crucifix until he saw a woman with a child enter the church. He could no longer hold back his tears and started crying again.
“Jesus, you’re not answering me. Please, I want to be with my mommy like that girl. Nanny, why is Jesus not answering? You told me he answered all our prayers, but why hasn’t he told me anything?”
Nancy stared at the boy and grinned at his innocent questions.
“I’ll take you,” a woman’s voice suddenly said from behind them. “My baby, I’ve come for you. Please stop crying.”
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Alan and Nancy were startled. They turned around, and behind them was the woman with the child Alan had seen moments ago.
“Alan, my boy! I’ve come for you. I’ve come to take you home,” she cried.
“Who are you? How do you know the kid’s name?” questioned Nancy, holding Alan tight.
“My name is Annette. I’m Alan’s mother. I come here daily to see him and ensure he’s fine.”
“Your son? Do you have any proof?”
Annette took out a photo of her holding a newborn baby in her arms. “I left him at the shelter’s doorstep six years ago.”
“This is unbelievable. This was how Alan looked when I first picked him up from the doorstep on that rainy night. I heard the loud cries of a baby outside on the patio and found him there. Why did you leave your baby? How can you be such a heartless mother?”
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Annette began to cry and disclosed the most saddening story of her life.
Six years ago, she was 16 and accidentally fell pregnant with her boyfriend’s child. After she revealed this to him, he dumped her and moved to another state, blocking her from contact. Annette’s parents advised her to terminate the pregnancy, but she couldn’t do it.
“My parents gave me only one choice—to abandon my baby or to forget them and the legacy I would inherit. I was too naive and young to become a mother, so I left my newborn baby at the shelter and moved on.”
Annette added that she finished college and married another man. The girl with her, Amy, was her daughter from this marriage.
“I tried my best, but I could not forget my son. I visit this church often to watch him from a distance. But after hearing him crying for his mother today, I could not hold back any longer. I want to take him home with me.”
Soon, Annette began the legal formalities to gain Alan’s custody back. She took DNA tests with him, revealing they were mother and son by a 99 percent match. Although she successfully took Alan home and restored their relationship, it came with a hefty price.
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Annette’s parents turned against her and cut her off from their lives and their will. Even worse, her husband turned against her despite knowing the truth about her shady past.
“I married you because you were honest about your failed relationship with your ex-boyfriend and thought you would never want that kid again. But now, even your parents have disowned you. Look, I’m not willing to father someone else’s child. I’m ready to support my daughter financially, but our marriage is over,” her husband Jason said, immediately filing for a divorce.
Annette and Jason were divorced shortly after. Annette got custody of her daughter and was delighted to have Alan back.
“Never come to us begging for money again” were the last words she heard her parents tell her, and Annette was fine with that. She felt her life was complete, even without her parents’ approval or their money.
She moved abroad with her two wonderful children, got a good job, and only looks forward to living a happy life.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
What can we learn from this story?
- God answers our prayers. Whenever Alan went to church, he would cry and ask God to send his mother to him. One day, his prayers were answered when he heard a voice offering to take him, and it turned out to be his mother.
- Do not abandon your children and punish them for a mistake you have committed. When Annette fell pregnant at 16, her parents told her to abandon the baby. She obeyed them and moved on, unaware of how it would affect her son as he grew up.
A little girl cries in church, asking God to save her sick grandmother’s life. Suddenly, a voice speaks behind her, offering to help. Click here to read the full story.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
I Found Proof of My Husband’s Affair in My Sister’s Coat, but It Was Just the Tip of the Iceberg – Story of the Day
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“Mark?” my sister Sofia asked, stirring something on the stove.
“Of course,” my mom replied. “He’s handling some business for me first, but then he’s free to explore. I told him, ‘You’re a single man—use this trip to meet someone.’”
She laughed as if matchmaking her assistant was the most natural thing in the world.
Max, my husband, glanced up from where he was stringing lights around the windows. “Do you ever give anyone a real vacation, Anne?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“Not when there’s work to be done,” Mom shot back playfully.
The house buzzed with activity. My grandmother sat by the kitchen table, peeling oranges for mulled wine, her sharp eyes observing everything.
“We’re out of cinnamon,” she announced abruptly, waving a wooden spoon in my direction. “You can’t make good mulled wine without cinnamon.”
I sighed, wiping my hands on a dishtowel. “Fine, I’ll run to the store.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“I can go,” Max offered.
“No need,” I said, grabbing my scarf. “It’s just cinnamon. I’ll be back before you miss me.”
On my way out, I grabbed a coat from the hook by the door—Sofia’s oversized camel-colored one. Her dramatic scarf hung next to it, a perfect match for her signature style.
“Lucy,” Sofia called from the stove, “you better not lose my coat!”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
I rolled my eyes. “It’s just a coat, Sofia. Relax.”
As I slid my hands into the deep pockets, my fingers brushed against something crinkly. I froze, pulled it out, and found myself holding a folded receipt.
Curious, I opened it. A necklace. Luxurious, judging by the price.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
The date on the receipt made me pause. Last Tuesday. That was the same day I’d called Sofia to confirm our dinner plans. Her voice had been low, almost hushed.
“I can’t talk right now,” she’d said. “I’m… at a jewelry store. Not alone.”
I’d brushed it off at the time. Sofia had always been secretive about her elusive boyfriend, never telling the family much. But this… this didn’t feel right.
My breath caught as I read the signature at the bottom. It was my husband’s signature.
Max? But how? Why is his name on a receipt for an extravagant necklace hidden in my sister’s coat?
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
***
Christmas had arrived, filling my mother’s house with an almost magical warmth. Laughter echoed from the living room, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the cheery sound of holiday music. The scent of cinnamon and pine drifted through the air, making everything feel cozy and perfect.
Perfect for everyone but me.
I sat in the corner, absently swirling the drink in my hand, my eyes glued to Sofia and Max. They were just themselves—on the surface. But I noticed everything. The way their eyes met for just a moment too long. The fleeting smiles they shared when no one else was looking.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
Then there was the disappearing act. First, Max slipped out of the room, muttering something about needing to grab his phone. A few minutes later, Sofia casually excused herself to check on the pie in the kitchen.
Am I imagining things?
When they didn’t return, I couldn’t sit still any longer. I followed them into the hallway, flattened myself against the wall, barely breathing as I strained to hear their voices.
“…I’m pregnant,” Sofia said, her voice low but clear enough to shatter me. “And I don’t know how to tell Lucy.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
Pregnant?! Sofia and Max… together? My husband and my sister. It can’t be!
My legs felt like jelly as I made my way to the front door, needing to escape the suffocating warmth of the house.
The cold evening air hit me hard, making me gasp. My mind screamed that it wasn’t true, but my heart ached with doubt. They thought I didn’t notice. They thought I was blind. But it was time to prove them wrong.
I stopped at a store on the way back, grabbing a few things. My plan formed with every step, sharp and precise. I had no desire to be a fool.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
***
That evening, I slipped back into the house. No one had even noticed I’d been gone for hours. Typical. They were all too busy laughing, eating, and chatting.
I wasn’t in the mood to pretend I belonged in their little bubble of holiday cheer, so I sat silently at the dinner table, watching everyone else enjoy the evening.
“Lucy, you’re so quiet!” my mom said, glancing over at me. “You’re not feeling sick, are you? We can’t have you missing Christmas!”
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“I’m fine, Mom,” I said flatly, stabbing a green bean with my fork.
“Well, cheer up,” my grandmother chimed in. “Did I ever tell you about the time I almost met Frank Sinatra?”
“Almost?” my dad teased. “Every year, it gets closer. By next Christmas, you’ll be married to him.”
Everyone laughed except me.
Sofia grinned. “Oh, come on, Lucy. It’s Christmas Eve! You used to love this.”
I locked eyes with her. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m about to make things very merry.”
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Without waiting, I pushed my chair back and walked to the tree.
“Gift time,” I said, grabbing the two boxes I had prepared earlier. “I thought I’d start the fun a little early.”
“Can’t we wait until dessert?” my dad asked, already reaching for the pie.
“Nope. This can’t wait,” I replied, placing the first box in front of Sofia.
“For me?” Sofia’s voice wavered as she reached for the ribbon.
“Go on, open it,” I said, my tone sugary sweet.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
Everyone leaned forward as she opened the box. The baby cradle gleamed under the lights.
Sofia froze. “What… what is this?”
“Oh, you know,” I said lightly. “A little something I thought you might need soon.”
Her face turned pale. “I don’t… What are you talking about?”
“Lucy,” my mom interrupted. “Is this some kind of joke?”
“No joke.” I turned to Max and handed him the second box. “Now, this one is for you, dear husband. I hope it’s the right size.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
Max opened the box cautiously. His face flushed bright red.
“Diapers?” my mom asked, completely confused.
“Well,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm, “maybe my gifts aren’t as exquisite as the ones my husband buys for my dear little sister.”
With that, I reached into my pocket, pulled out the receipt, and flung it across the table toward Max. It landed right in front of him.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
My mother’s hand paused mid-air with her fork, my grandmother’s brow furrowed in confusion. Sofia froze, while Max looked like he’d just been caught red-handed.
“Lucy, I…” Sofia stammered.
“Go on,” I said, folding my arms. “I’m dying to hear this explanation.”
Before Sofia could form a coherent sentence, Max abruptly stood up. His hand darted into his pocket, fumbling as he pulled out a small jewelry box.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“Lucy. I bought this for you.”
“For me?”
“Yes. It’s… it’s always been for you.”
“And I helped him choose it,” Sofia added quickly. “As a thank-you for supporting me when I needed help.”
The weight of everyone’s eyes pressing down on me. Slowly, I opened the lid. Inside was the necklace, gleaming under the warm light.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“Oh, Max, how beautiful!” my mother exclaimed, clasping her hands together dramatically. “But…” She paused, her face scrunching in confusion as she turned to me. “I still don’t understand. What’s with the baby things, Lucy?”
Before I could answer, Sofia blurted out, “Mom, I’m pregnant.”
“Pregnant?” Mom repeated, her voice an octave higher. “Oh, Sofia, why didn’t you tell us?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“And who’s the father?” I asked coldly, my eyes narrowing as I stared at Max.
Sofia opened her mouth to reply, but before she could get a word out, the doorbell rang. My mother shot to her feet, muttering, “Who on earth could that be at this hour?”
***
When my mother returned to the room, she wasn’t alone. Standing beside her was her personal assistant, holding a bouquet of roses.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“Mark?” Mom said. “I sent you on a trip for the holidays! A new place, a chance to meet someone. You’re supposed to be single and exploring the world!”
Mark’s gaze shifted past her and landed directly on Sofia. “I already have someone, Mrs. Turner. The only woman I’ve ever loved.”
Sofia gasped. But instead of running to him, she bolted for the hallway.
“To the bathroom?” my grandmother asked, watching her disappear.
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“Morning sickness,” my mother declared with authority, shaking her head knowingly. “I remember those days. Being pregnant is not for the faint of heart.”
“Pregnant?” Mark repeated. “Sofia’s pregnant?”
Max stood, finally breaking his stunned silence. “Yes, she’s pregnant. And it’s yours, Mark.”
Mark’s mouth opened, but Max continued. “She told me because you disappeared for a week. She didn’t know what to do and needed someone to confide in. So, she trusted me to keep it a secret until she was ready.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
Just then, Sofia emerged from the hallway, her face still pale but determined.
“Mark,” she said softly, stepping closer. “I was terrified. I thought I’d lost you. Max was just… someone I could trust when I didn’t know what to do.”
She glanced at me and offered a faint smile. “And, as a thank-you, I helped him pick out your necklace.”
“Oh,” I said, exhaling a sharp breath as the pieces finally came together. “I found the receipt, thought it was for Sofia, overheard about the pregnancy, and…” I winced. “And I let my imagination run wild.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“Mom,” Sofia added, shaking her head. “You sent Mark away without knowing any of this.”
My mother raised her hands defensively. “I didn’t know! I just thought he needed a vacation! How was I supposed to guess all this?”
Mark crossed the room, wrapping Sofia in a warm embrace. “I’m so sorry I left you in doubt,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I asked you not to tell anyone about me because I didn’t know how your mom would react. But none of that matters now. I love you, Sofia. I want to be with you—both of you.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
Max pulled me close, his hand resting on my shoulder. “And I promise no more secrets, Lucy. Not ever. I should have told you from the start.”
By the time we all sat back down to dinner, laughter filled the air again. The clinking of glasses and the joyful chatter returned, stronger than before.
What had started as a chaotic storm of misunderstandings ended with love, honesty, and forgiveness. That Christmas we spent as a whole family.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.
The day before Christmas, everything seemed perfect until it wasn’t. I found a receipt for a stunning necklace, signed by my husband, hidden in my sister’s coat. Was it a gift or something far worse?
The day before Christmas was a rare and special occasion. My mother, who never seemed to have a spare moment away from her demanding job, had miraculously freed up her schedule to host the family dinner. She bustled around the house, beaming yet still sneaking glances at her phone.
“Well,” she cheerfully said as she set down a platter of cookies, “I finally sent my assistant Mark on that trip I’ve been planning for him. The poor man has been swamped with work all year.”
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