THE LONG-AWAITED HAPPINESS
Today had been the happiest day in Emilys life. She was glowing! And with good reasonafter twelve long years of hoping, she had finally received the news she never believed shed hear: she was going to have a baby. For any woman, especially one who has waited so long, nothing could be more wonderful. Every mother who has experienced this joy would surely agree.
Emily was on cloud nine. Every few minutes, shed rest her hand on her tummy and, grinning with delight, would chatter softly to the little one growing inside her, already two-and-a-half months along.
Emily first met her husband, James, when they were young. They had both attended university in London, studied side by side, and graduated together. Three months after graduation, they had a lovely wedding in a small countryside church. Life was good; they were deeply in love and truly happy together. Yet, just six months into married life, Emily began to worry. James did his best to reassure her, telling her there was nothing to fear, that everything would work outand that children, when the time was right, would bless them.
After another two years passed without a child, Emily began to lose hope. She sought help from the doctors, but no serious issue was ever found. James understood how she was feeling and did whatever he could to lift her spirits: long walks in Hyde Park, evenings at home showered in care and kindness. Yet Emily grew more and more distant with each passing day. And so twelve years slipped by. She still hadnt known the happiness of a complete family.
And then, one balmy July afternoon, Emily set off for a leisurely walk while James was at work. She wandered street after street, her steps slow and aimless, lost in her thoughts and hardly noticing anything around her. Head bowed, she was completely absorbed.
Suddenly, a voice piped up, startling her only a few feet away:
Maybe youre my mummy?
Emily froze, struck by the unexpected words. Lightning seemed to jolt through her. She raised her eyes and saw a little boy, perhaps three years old, standing behind some iron railings, his hands gripping the bars, watching her intently.
At first, Emily had no idea what was happening. She stood motionless, gathering her thoughts. Finally, regaining her composure, she walked gently over. Realising she stood outside an orphanage, she saw other children playing in the distance.
Emily stared at the sweet boy, searching for the right words. Her mind was racing. She knew, deep in her heart, that this moment could change everything. After a long pause, she softly asked:
Do you remember your mummy? What was she like?
No, Ive never met her. So I wait hereshell know me if she walks by.
Yes, she will, Emily replied, feeling a shimmer of hope, that perhaps she could be that very mummy he needed.
Whats your name?
Im Oliver.
Emily grew determined. There was no doubt now; she would do whatever it took to adopt this boy. It was as if fate itself had brought her to these railings that day.
I had a little boy years ago, but I lost him, she told him gently. His name was also Oliver, and Ive searched everywhere for him. Maybe youre him?
Suddenly, the boys face lit up, and, with a smile, he cried:
Yes, yes! You are my mummy! You! I know you! Its you!
He stretched his hands through the bars, and Emily immediately reached out, wrapping him in a tight embrace.
Lets go straight to the headmistress and tell her weve found each other! Ill bring you home.
Hooray! shouted the boy.
Bursting with joy, Emily entered the orphanage with Oliver. Inside, the matron, beaming, said,
At last, our Oliver will have a mum!
And so began the paperwork, meetings with committees, and all the patient waitinga blur to Emily now. All the while, Oliver seemed to understand, trusting that his mother had truly appeared. Meanwhile, Emily prepared James for their new arrival. Together, they decorated a childs bedroom, bought furniture and toys, and made it cosy. James agreed at once to adoption, grateful to witness such happiness in his wifes eyes for the first time in years.
Then the long-awaited day finally arrived! Oliver was legally their son. Hand in hand, they walked home, beaming with happiness. Their house transformed overnight: the silence of twelve years was swept away by the cheerful patter of small feet and bright shouts of Daddy, look!. Emily was a new woman. Every ounce of love she held in reserve, she poured into this lovely boy. James became the best father anyone could hope for.
As time passed, Oliver grew, thriving in their care. Then, one fine morning, Emily began feeling unwell. James was concerned, so they visited the doctor together. There they were told the news beyond their dreams: Emily was pregnant! Words couldnt capture their joy.
They both eagerly awaited the birth of their next child. When the day arrived, Emily gave birth to a healthy baby girl and named her Alice. Their family was now complete.
Emily knew with certainty: Alices miraculous arrival was only possible because she hadnt walked past the little boy by those iron railings. Kindness is always returned. True happiness doesnt come by appointmentit finds those who open their hearts to unconditional love.
