Bob Hollis, a 40‐year‐old widower, was racing against time when he received a call from a Florida hospital—he was listed as the father of a newborn daughter. Although he initially doubted the call, he knew his wife Mary was in Florida on a brief vacation he had arranged as a surprise while he was busy renovating their home to add extra rooms for future adoptions. The couple, who had already adopted three children, always dreamed of taking in more kids; Bob, who had once been in foster care himself, had made a personal promise to help as many children as he could.
Before Mary’s passing, Bob had also been a father to two grown children from his previous marriage with Ellen—a relationship that ended after her infidelity. Two years later, he met Mary, and despite their initial struggles to have children, their determination paid off when Mary finally conceived. In preparation for the baby’s arrival, Bob expanded their home by adding a nursery.
Mary’s trip to Florida turned tragic when she unexpectedly went into labor and was rushed to the hospital, where she died during childbirth. With the new baby needing immediate care, Bob quickly booked a flight to Florida, retrieved his daughter, and set off to bring her back home.
At the hospital, Bob met Mrs. Sticks—an 82‐year‐old volunteer who had recently lost her own spouse. In a calm manner, she explained that while his wife had suffered complications during delivery, Bob now needed to prove he was capable of caring for his child. Though Bob reassured her that he was an experienced father, Mrs. Sticks still handed him her phone number and kindly offered to drive him to the airport later.
However, when Bob reached the boarding gate, an airline official stopped him. The baby, at only four days old, was considered too young to fly without a birth certificate and a mandatory waiting period until she was at least seven days old. Left with no family in Florida and nowhere to stay, Bob was on the verge of spending the night at the airport. In desperation, he contacted Mrs. Sticks again.
Without hesitation, she returned to the airport to escort Bob and his daughter to her home. Bob ended up staying with Mrs. Sticks for over a week while he sorted out the necessary paperwork. During that time, the kindly woman not only offered him shelter but also provided emotional support through his grief and helped arrange the proper transportation for his late wife’s body.
Deeply moved by her generosity, Bob often referred to Mrs. Sticks as a real angel. He witnessed the joy she brought even to his daughter, who would light up and giggle at the sound of her voice. As they spent time together—walking, caring for the baby, and even honoring the memory of her late husband—a bond formed between them that was both comforting and transformative.
Once Bob finally obtained his daughter’s birth certificate, he was allowed to return to Texas. Yet, he kept in touch with Mrs. Sticks, visiting her each year with his daughter until her passing a few years later. At her funeral, a lawyer informed Bob that she had left him a portion of her inheritance, similar to what she had provided for her own children. Honoring her kindness, Bob donated the money to a charity he established alongside her four children. Over time, he grew particularly close to her eldest daughter, Shirley—whose charm eventually won his heart, leading to their marriage and her becoming a mother to his six children.
This story teaches us that kindness leaves a lasting impact. Bob’s life was forever changed by Mrs. Sticks’ compassion during his darkest hour, inspiring him to give back through charitable work and to continue his lifelong commitment to helping children in need. Sharing this story can brighten someone’s day and serve as a powerful reminder to always practice generosity.
