A LONG-AWAITED JOY
Today was, without question, the happiest day of Victoria’s life. She glowed from within! And who could blame her? Twelve years had gone by with nothing but hope and disappointmentshe hadnt been blessed with a child. But today changed everything. She had just learned she was expecting. Is there any news more wonderful for a woman longing to be a mother? Every mother who has felt that joy would agree.
Victoria felt as though she was walking on air. Every few minutes, she placed her hand over her stomach and softly spoke to the little one shed only been carrying for two and a half months. Her smile seemed permanent.
I met Victoria when we were both young and full of dreams. We studied side by side at university and finished our degrees together. Barely three months after graduation, we married. Life, for a while, was full of laughter and promise. Yet after six months, Victoria grew anxious; her concern that we had no children started to weigh on her. I tried my best to reassure her, insisting there was plenty of time, that children would surely come.
After another couple of years, hope began to slip away from her. She saw specialists, but nothing of serious concern was found. I understood her pain, and did everything in my power to comfort and distract herwalks through our neighbourhood, thoughtful gestures, a constant presence. Yet with each passing day, she appeared to grow sadder. Years went by, twelve in total, and the feeling of a whole family remained just out of reach for Victoria.
Then, during a warm July afternoon, when I was at work, Victoria wandered out for a stroll. She moved slowly and quietly, lost entirely in her thoughts, not noticing the world around her.
Suddenly, she heard a small voice close by:
Are you my mum?
Victoria stopped dead in her tracks, as if struck by lightning. She looked up and found herself face-to-face with a little boy, perhaps three years old, standing on the other side of a gate, gripping its bars with his tiny hands.
For a moment, she could only stare, her mind racing to make sense of it all. Regaining her composure, she approached. In the distance, she saw other children running aboutthe place was an orphanage.
Victoria gazed at the boy, searching for words. She understood this encounter could change her life forever. After a long pause, she managed, Do you remember your mum? What was she like?
He shook his head. No, Ive never met her. Thats why I wait here. Shell recognise me if she walks past.
Thats true, Victoria replied, a wellspring of hope suddenly rising within herperhaps she could be the mother this little boy needed.
Whats your name? she asked.
My name is Charles, he answered.
Victoria felt a surge of resolve; she was determined to do whatever it would take to make Charles her son. Fate must have led her to that very spot.
I had a little boy some years ago, but I lost him, she told him softly. He was called Charlie too. Ive never stopped looking for him. Could you be him?
The boys eyes lit up, and he exclaimed joyfully, Yes! Youre my mum! I knew it was you!
His little arms reached through the gate, and Victoria took him into an embrace that felt as if it could last forever.
Then lets go speak to the headmistressIve found you at last! Im taking you home with me, she promised.
Hooray! Charles shouted.
Victoria couldnt believe her luck. She entered the orphanage with him by her side. One of the carers beamed, At last! Charles will have a mum!
The following weeks blurred by, full of forms, interviews, and interminable waiting. Yet Charles remained hopeful, certain hed found his family. I prepared myself for this new chapter; together, Victoria and I readied a cosy room, bought furniture, toys, all the necessities. Seeing Victoria overflow with happiness, I couldnt help but smilethe thought of bringing Charles home filled us all with joy.
The long-awaited moment finally arrived! Charles was officially our son. We walked home together, hand in hand, radiant with excitement. The house felt transformed; twelve years of quiet were swept away by the lively patter of small feet and a gleeful, Dad, look at this! Victoria was renewed; she poured every ounce of love into our boy, and I did my best to be a father he was proud of.
Seasons passed, Charles blossomed, and our hearts were full. Then one morning, Victoria fell ill. Worried, we visited our doctor, and there we received the most miraculous news: Victoria was expecting. Words failed us, for joy is not easily expressed when youve waited so long.
As months ticked by, anticipation built. Finally, the day arrived, and a healthy baby girl was born. We named her Emily. Our familynow complete.
Victoria always tells me these miracles occurred because she stopped to speak to the little boy at the gateand I believe her. The kindness we share always finds its way back. True happiness isnt something that arrives by schedule; it blesses those who open their hearts to love, freely and unconditionally.
Looking back, I know this: Sometimes, life’s greatest gifts come when you least expect them, and sometimes, love simply finds you when you need it most.
