A widowed man travels a long way to retrieve his newborn baby, but when he tries to return home with the child, he is refused entry into the plane.
Bob Hollis was running late. The 40-year-old had just received a call from a Florida hospital telling him a girl had just been born and he was listed as the father.
He would have discounted it as a prank, but he knew his wife was in Florida for a short holiday he organized for her while he renovated their home — it was a surprise.
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The two had no kids of their own and had adopted three because adoption was something they both wanted to be involved in, so they needed to add more rooms to their house, which was why he was renovating.
Among the two, Bob was more particular about getting a foster child because he was one himself, and he had grown up promising himself to take in as many kids as he could.
“If I can help those kids grow up to be the best of themselves then I feel like I’ve made a huge difference,” he told his wife while they were discussing it.
Bob was also father to two grown kids whom he conceived while he was with his former wife, Ellen. The two went their separate ways after the woman decided to cheat with their pool boy, and she was caught.
He met his second wife, Mary, two years later, and after dating for several months, they got married. They tried to have kids but were unsuccessful, and this motivated them to look into adoption, but they never stopped trying to make babies.
One day, their persistence paid off, and Mary conceived a child. It was in preparation of the baby’s arrival that Bob decided to expand the house to include a nursery and an extra room.
After making the decision, he got Mary, who was due in two months, on a plane to Florida — a place she had always wanted to visit. But when she arrived in Florida, the woman immediately went into labor and was subsequently rushed to the hospital.
Unfortunately, she died during childbirth, so Bob was told that because the child was a newborn, it was necessary to fly out immediately. He packed his suitcases and flew to Florida to pick up her daughter.
When his plane landed, he rented a car and made his way to the hospital, where his wife had allegedly passed away.
The news of her death still ate at him, but he knew there would be time to grieve later, so he focused on bringing home their only child together.
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When he arrived at the hospital, he met with the volunteer at the intensive care unit, a woman who was 82 years old and recently widowed.
Her name was Mrs. Sticks, and she had things to tell Bob. “What happened?” he asked her as soon as he entered her office.
“Have a seat Mr. Hollis,” she said calmly.
“I’m better off standing, he replied.
“I’m sorry for your loss Mr. Hollis, but your wife suffered some complications giving birth to your child.”
At that, Bob cried bitterly, and Mrs. Sticks quietly watched him, choosing to let him grieve. After a few minutes, she cleared her throat and spoke.
“As I understand you have come for the child, but I have to make sure that you have what it takes to care for one,” Mrs. Sticks said.
Bob let her know that he was already a father and Mrs. Meredith Sticks nodded appreciatively as if to say, “You’ll do,” but she still gave him her phone number.
“Call me if you need anything,” she said. The kind woman also offered her new acquaintance a ride to the airport on the day of departure.
Things went on smoothly for Bob until it was time to board the plane. When he got to the boarding gate, the woman at the counter refused to let him through.
“Is this your child sir?” she asked.
“Of course she is,” he said.
“I’m sorry but she seems too young to be on an airplane. How old is she?”
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“She’s four days old. Now can I get through?” Bob said.
“I’m sorry sir, but you’ll have to present her birth certificate and wait till she is at least seven days old before traveling with her,” the woman said sternly.
“What’s this?” Bob asked angrily. “Are you saying I have to remain here for the next couple of days? I have no family here to stay with which is why I must get home today.”
“I’m sorry, it’s the policy,” the woman said and turned her attention to the next person in line.
Bob knew that it would take him quite some time to obtain the document but he also had nowhere to go in Florida and no one to ask for help.
He was preparing to spend the night at the airport when he remembered Mrs. Sticks, the kind woman from the medical center. He would rather not have bothered her, but he had no choice, and the night was quickly approaching.
“Hello Meredith,” he said. “I need your help.”
When Mrs. Sticks found out about Bob’s problem, she immediately promised to return to the airport and bring them to her home — it was an offer that astounded Bob, who knew he would most likely have refused to help if he was in her place.
“Compassion still thrives in this world,” he thought to himself.
Bob stayed at Mrs. Sticks’ house for more than a week before he returned to Texas. The woman didn’t just welcome Bob and his daughter into her home. She helped him cope with the newborn baby as well as the death of his wife by talking to him and comforting him. She even helped him arrange for the proper transportation of his wife’s body, making things easier for him.
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The man could not believe how generous she was and would always call her a real angel — even his daughter seemed to love the woman because the girl would start to glow and giggle just from hearing the woman’s voice.
During his stay, Bob learned that the woman had four grown children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Together they looked after the baby, took relieving walks, and even went to honor the memory of Mrs. Sticks’ departed husband — activities that brought the two even closer.
The man saw in Mrs. Sticks his mother who had passed away a long time ago, and he knew he would miss her a lot when he flew home.
After receiving his daughter’s birth certificate, he was permitted to return home, but Bob continued to keep in touch with the old lady who had helped him.
He had no idea how things would have worked out without her, and he never forgot her kindness, so he visited her every year with his little daughter until she passed away a few years later.
A lawyer reached out to him at her funeral and told him that Mrs. Sticks had left him part of her inheritance, just like she did for her kids.
In honor of her kindness, Bob donated the money to a charity he founded together with her four kids, including her oldest daughter Shirley, whom he fell in love with due to constant exposure to her charms. Later, the two got married, and she became a mother to his six kids.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
What did we gain from this story?
- Kindness leaves a lasting impression. Bob could never forget Mrs. Sticks, who was there for him in his difficult times. Her heart inspired him to found the charity organization, which was a way to share more kindness around.
- Imbibe the culture of giving back. Bob adopted three kids with his late wife because he was from a foster home himself and wanted to find a way to make the lives of kids in orphanages better. It is an act worthy of emulation.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a young couple who bought a used car and found a wallet under the seat with an old photo inside.
This account is inspired by our reader’s story 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.
No talking. The flower you pick will reveal your true character trait.
Have you ever wondered what a simple choice, like picking a flower, could reveal about your true nature? Our subconscious choices often reflect deeper aspects of our personalities—things we might not even realize about ourselves. The flower you instinctively pick can be a window into your inner character, highlighting qualities like authenticity, integrity, resilience, and more.
Take a moment, imagine yourself in a beautiful garden, and choose the flower that calls to you first. Now, let’s uncover what that choice says about who you truly are.
Authenticity: Staying True to Yourself
If your chosen flower represents authenticity, you are someone who values honesty above all else. You refuse to wear masks or pretend to be someone you’re not just to fit in.
Your ability to stay true to your beliefs, regardless of outside pressure, makes you a rare and admirable individual. You express your thoughts openly, embrace both your strengths and flaws, and don’t seek approval from others. People trust you because they know what they see is what they get. However, your straightforwardness can sometimes come across as blunt—balancing honesty with tact can help you connect better with others.
Integrity: A Moral Compass That Never Wavers
If your flower choice aligns with integrity, you are someone who stands firm in your values, even when no one is watching. You believe in doing what is right, not what is easy, and you never compromise your principles for personal gain.
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Your word is your bond, and people respect you for your unwavering sense of ethics. Whether it’s in personal relationships or professional matters, you take responsibility for your actions and always strive to be fair and honest. While this makes you a trusted individual, it can also be exhausting—holding yourself to such high moral standards can sometimes feel like a heavy burden.
Resilience: Rising Stronger After Every Challenge
If your flower symbolizes resilience, you are a fighter. Life may throw obstacles in your path, but you refuse to let them break you. You don’t shy away from hardship; instead, you face challenges head-on, learning from every setback.
This inner strength allows you to overcome adversity and emerge even stronger. You see failures as lessons rather than defeats, which helps you push forward when others might give up. However, your determination can sometimes make you reluctant to accept help. Remember, resilience doesn’t mean doing everything alone—leaning on others when needed can make your journey even smoother.
Empathy: Understanding the Emotions of Others
If your flower represents empathy, you are deeply attuned to the emotions of those around you. You don’t just hear people—you truly listen. You have the unique ability to step into another person’s shoes, making you a compassionate friend and a trusted confidant.
Your kindness and emotional intelligence make people feel safe around you, but they also leave you vulnerable to emotional exhaustion. You absorb the feelings of others, which can sometimes weigh heavily on you. Setting boundaries is key to protecting your own well-being while continuing to be the caring person you naturally are.
Humility: The Power of Knowing You Don’t Know Everything
If you chose a flower that symbolizes humility, you possess a quiet confidence that doesn’t need to be flaunted. You recognize that learning never stops and that no one is above growth.
You don’t seek validation through arrogance or superiority. Instead, you appreciate the contributions of others, listen more than you speak, and stay open to different perspectives. This trait makes you a great team player and someone people genuinely enjoy being around. However, your humility might sometimes make you hesitate to take credit for your achievements—owning your successes is just as important as acknowledging your limitations.
Courage: Facing Fear with Determination
If your flower represents courage, you are someone who embraces challenges instead of avoiding them. You understand that fear is a natural part of life, but you refuse to let it control you.
You stand up for what you believe in, take bold risks, and aren’t afraid of stepping outside your comfort zone. This bravery helps you grow and inspires those around you. However, courage isn’t about being reckless—it’s about knowing when to take a stand and when to walk away. Learning to balance bravery with wisdom will make you unstoppable.
Discipline: The Key to Success
If your flower choice aligns with discipline, you are someone who thrives on structure, consistency, and self-control. You don’t rely on fleeting motivation; instead, you stay committed to your goals, even when the initial excitement fades.
Your work ethic and dedication set you apart. While others may procrastinate, you push through, understanding that long-term success requires persistence. However, your high standards for yourself can sometimes make you too rigid. Allowing yourself moments of flexibility and rest will keep you from burning out.
Gratitude: Finding Joy in the Simple Things
If your flower represents gratitude, you have a beautiful ability to appreciate life’s small moments. You focus on what you have rather than what you lack, making you a source of positivity and contentment.
Your gratitude helps you maintain a sense of joy and resilience, even in difficult times. You uplift those around you by reminding them of the good in their lives. However, while gratitude is a wonderful trait, it’s important to acknowledge struggles and challenges as well—being optimistic doesn’t mean ignoring reality.
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What Your Choice Says About You
The flower you picked reveals a hidden truth about your personality. Whether you embody authenticity, integrity, resilience, empathy, humility, courage, discipline, or gratitude, each trait holds incredible strength.
Now that you know what your subconscious choice says about you, embrace it. Use your strengths to grow, connect with others, and continue becoming the best version of yourself. Sometimes, the smallest choices can reveal the deepest truths—so what does your flower say about you?
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