A elderly teacher volunteered at a group home and saw a girl who looked like his granddaughter. He discovers a long-kept secret that changes their lives forever.
Patrick was a lifelong teacher. Leaving his wife over a decade ago, he lived alone in a little apartment.
He retired at 60 to spend more time with his daughter and granddaughter, whom he recently reunited with. After years apart, he wanted to make up for it.
When he couldn’t see his family, he volunteered at orphanages. He loved kids and offered free tutoring there.
Sometimes he visited an orphanage farther out in town. The little girl there looked like his granddaughter Mindy, surprising him.
Patrick spoke to the girl out of curiosity. “Hi there,” he said. “Young girl, how old?”
Six years old, sir. I heard you’ll teach math today. I love math, said the sweet girl.
Patrick was astonished to learn the girl was six because Mindy was the same age. Light brown hair, brilliant hazelnut brown eyes, and fair white skin characterized them. Only a little mole beside her right eye distinguished the young orphan from Mindy.
Andie and four other kids her age were tutored by Patrick that day. “Thank you for being obedient students today, kids,” he said after their class.
“Thanks, Mr. Patrick! Will you return soon? a child inquired. We enjoyed ourselves! Another spoke up.
Patrick nodded and smiled. Of course. I want to return, he said. But his thoughts were on Andie and how much he resembled Mindy. In order to discover their similarities, he invited his daughter to the orphanage next time.
Weekend volunteers are needed at this orphanage outside the neighborhood. Will you join me? Pat asked his daughter. He didn’t tell her about Andie since he wanted her real reaction to the baby.
“Yes, dad. I’ll join you on Saturday,” his daughter Lisa said.
Lisa quickly spotted Andie visiting the orphanage that weekend. When she spotted her, she cried and left the building.
“Lisa!” Patrick shouted. He inquired “What’s wrong?” “Have you seen that child?”
Lisa stared at her dad with guilt. I apologize, dad. I’ve kept a secret from you for years.”
What do you mean? While sitting on a bench outside the orphanage, he inquired, “What secret have you been keeping?”
Lisa spoke about her years apart from Patrick due to her connection with a man six years her senior. Maxwell left me when I got pregnant, so I carried it alone. She explained her twin pregnancy.
“My mom helped me through the twins’ first year. She housed us and assisted me through restless nights and exhausting days. At the same time, mom got sick and died before the kids turned one, Lisa said.
Dad, I knew I couldn’t raise two kids alone. I painfully left Andie to the orphanage. I doubted she’d survive. I expected someone to adopt her by now. Lisa cried and apologized to her dad, “She was such a sweet baby.”
After a moment of stillness, Patrick wrapped a comforting arm over his daughter. “You did what you thought was best at the time, sweetheart,” he said. “Sorry I couldn’t help you through this.”
We had little when your mom and I were new parents. Instead of diapers, we used reusable gauze because we were broke. Patrick disclosed that we shared every meal, no matter how modest, because we were so full.
We noticed your developmental impairment at three. Doctor advised us to take you to a speech therapist because you couldn’t speak. We did, but we couldn’t afford it either, so I studied hard to become a teacher so I could teach you,” he told his daughter, who was shocked.
“I didn’t know about any of this,” Lisa sobbed. “You did everything for me while I gave up my daughter!”
Sweetheart, it’s not too late. He informed Andie she can have a family as your daughter. Only four years have passed—there’s still time. If you can’t, I’ll adopt Andie.”
Lisa paused, contemplating. Then she nodded and agreed with her dad. “You’re right,” she said. Father, it’s not too late. Take Andie home.”
Lisa was tearful after spending the day with Andie and the kids. Her desire to see her daughter again and their quick connection were impossible to overlook.
Lisa and Patrick assisted each other with Andie’s adoption. Andie and Mindy were startled by how alike they appeared when they took her home. “My twin sister?” Mindy cried as she hugged Andie.
“I’ve always wanted a sister,” Andie remarked. “Thank you for bringing me home,” she sobbed.
Lisa and Patrick raised Andie and Mindy together daily. They alternated cooking, cleaning, and driving to school. Patrick enjoyed tutoring his two granddaughters so they would appreciate education and achieve their aspirations.
What can this story teach us?
Restarting is never too late. Lisa never believed she would see her daughter she gave up for adoption again until her father found a girl who looked like his granddaughter. They took the girl home to make amends and provide her a better life.
People that belong in your life always return. Patrick had no idea that his real compassion for orphans would reveal a truth and reunite his daughter with the kid she gave up.
Tell your friends about this. It may inspire and cheer them up.