A New Beginning, A Lifelong Bond
Bob Hollis, a 40-year-old widower, was running late when he received an unexpected phone call from a Florida hospital. His wife, Mary, had passed away during childbirth—but the call brought with it a bittersweet twist: he was listed as the father of a newborn girl, born just hours earlier.
The shock of losing Mary was overwhelming, but there was no time for grief. Bob packed his bags and flew to Florida, determined to meet his daughter and bring her home.
A Dream Deferred
Bob and Mary had always dreamed of having children together, but after struggling with infertility, they turned to adoption. The couple had adopted three children, and for Bob, adoption was especially meaningful. Growing up in foster care, he always said, “If I can help those kids grow up to be their best selves, I’ve made a difference.”
Mary’s pregnancy was a miracle, a dream they hadn’t dared to hope for. Bob had even started renovating their home, planning a nursery and extra rooms in anticipation. He had surprised Mary with a relaxing trip to Florida, only for it to end tragically in the hospital where she lost her life while giving birth prematurely.
Meeting His Daughter
When Bob arrived at the hospital, he was greeted by Mrs. Meredith Sticks, an 82-year-old volunteer who had recently lost her own husband. With compassion, she explained the circumstances and handed him his newborn daughter. Bob’s grief was overwhelming, but Meredith reassured him, offering her phone number in case he needed support.
Despite his sorrow, Bob knew he had to focus on his daughter. He arranged to fly back to Texas immediately—but an unexpected obstacle awaited him at the airport.
An Unexpected Obstacle
At the boarding gate, the airline staff refused to let Bob board with the infant. “She’s too young to travel,” the attendant explained. “You need a birth certificate, and she must be at least seven days old.”
Frustrated and exhausted, Bob argued, but the policy was strict. With no family or friends nearby, he was about to spend the night in the airport when he remembered Meredith.
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