A Father’s Unexpected Call
The hour was growing late for Bob Hollis. A hospital in Florida had just reached out to the forty-year-old man, to inform him that a baby girl had entered the world— and that he was her biological father.
At that specific time, Bob was deeply involved in renovating his family home. He and his wife shared no biological children together, but they had lovingly adopted three, sharing a profound commitment to adoption and a heartfelt desire to expand their household to embrace even more.
As a dedicated foster parent himself, Bob exercised particular discernment when it came to fostering children, having made a solemn vow in his youth to open his home to as many as he possibly could.
While conversing with his wife, he once articulated, “If I can genuinely help those children blossom into the best versions of themselves, I’ll truly feel as though I’ve made a meaningful impact.”
Bob was also the biological father of two adult children from his previous marriage to his ex-wife Ellen.
Two years following his divorce, he encountered Mary—his second wife— and the couple quickly exchanged vows just a few months into their courtship. However, their initial attempts to conceive a child together proved unsuccessful.
Eventually, their unwavering persistence yielded fruit: Mary became pregnant.
Wishing to fulfill her heartfelt aspiration, Bob meticulously arranged for Mary— then merely two months away from her due date— to embark on a cherished trip to Florida, a destination she had always yearned to explore.
Tragically, shortly after their arrival, Mary went into early labor and was swiftly rushed to the hospital.
Sadly, Mary passed away during the arduous childbirth. The compassionate hospital staff immediately informed Bob of her death and urgently implored him to come without delay, as the baby was still a vulnerable newborn.
Bob rented a car as soon as his plane landed and drove directly to the hospital where his beloved wife had tragically died.
Upon his emotional arrival, he encountered an eighty-two-year-old volunteer diligently working in the intensive care unit— an elderly woman who had herself very recently experienced the loss of her own spouse.
Entering her office, he posed the question, “What precisely transpired?”
“Please take a seat, Mr. Hollis,” she calmly stated.
“I’d prefer to remain standing,” he replied, his voice firm.
“I am profoundly sorry for your loss,” she gently conveyed. “Your wife experienced severe complications during childbirth.”
Overcome with overwhelming grief, Bob broke down, openly weeping. Mrs. Sticks quietly observed him, allowing him the necessary space to process his sorrow. A few minutes later, she gently cleared her throat and resumed speaking.
“As I understand it, you’re here to take custody of the baby,” Mrs. Sticks articulated. “But I must ensure you are adequately prepared to care for her.”
She added, “Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require anything at all.”
Later, when Bob reached the boarding gate at the airport, the woman stationed at the counter would not permit him to pass.
“Is this truly your child, sir?” she inquired.
“Yes, of course,” he confidently replied.
“I apologize, sir, but she appears exceedingly young. How old precisely is she?”
“She’s four days old. Can we board now?” Bob pressed.
“I deeply apologize, sir, but you will require her birth certificate, and she must be at least seven days old to travel by air,” the woman stated firmly.
Bob’s voice noticeably sharpened. “Are you unequivocally stating I must remain here for several additional days? I know absolutely no one here, and I was scheduled to return home today.”
“I am truly very sorry, sir,” she said as she efficiently turned to assist the next person in line. “That is the standing policy.”
With nightfall rapidly approaching and no viable options remaining, Bob thought of Mrs. Sticks—the kind volunteer from the hospital. Though he desperately wished not to burden her, he had absolutely no other recourse.
“Hello, Meredith,” he said over the phone, his voice laced with urgency. “I could genuinely use your valuable help.”
“Compassion still truly exists in this world,” he reminded himself, a quiet thought.
Bob ultimately ended up staying for over a week at Mrs. Sticks’ house before finally returning to Texas.
Even his newborn daughter seemed to genuinely adore the woman— her tiny face would illuminate with joy and she would smile at the mere sound of her comforting voice. Deeply touched by her profound kindness, Bob often referred to her as a true angel.
During his extended stay, Bob learned that Mrs. Sticks had four adult children, seven cherished grandchildren, and three delightful great-grandchildren.
Once he successfully obtained the birth certificate, he was finally permitted to fly home— but he never, ever lost touch with the elderly woman who had offered him so much invaluable help.
At her funeral, a lawyer thoughtfully approached him with surprising news: just as she had done for her own children, Mrs. Sticks had generously bequeathed a portion of her estate to Bob.
In her honor, Bob donated the inheritance to a nonprofit organization he founded in profound collaboration with her four children— as a heartfelt gesture of thanks for her incredible, unwavering generosity.
