The hospital ward felt oppressive and suffocating. Anna pressed her hands over her ears to block out the relentless wailing of newborns in the neighbouring room. All she wanted was to leave as quickly as possible, to forget everything as if it were nothing but a horrible nightmare…
Anna, love, at least have a look at her, wont you? pleaded Auntie Nora, the kindly midwife. Shes the spitting image of you, darling!
No! Please dont try to convince me! Ive signed the adoption papers, havent I? What more do you want from me? Anna was almost on the verge of tears. Ive got nowhere to take her! Do you understand?
Hush now, youll frighten the baby, Nora replied sternly. Nowhere to take her? What are you, homeless? Dont you have parents?
I have an elderly mother, thats all. Shes barely able to look after herself. I cant turn up in the village with a babypeople would have a field day!
Let them gossip, dear, at least theyll have something to talk about. Nora smiled gently. But seriously, people will talk, and soon forget. But youif you leave this tiny one behind, youll never forgive yourself. Youll regret this forever.
Anna covered her face and began to sob in silence. Nora could sense Anna waveringjust a little more encouragement…
Just look at her, love! Shes got your nose, cute and dainty. And her eyes, well, I can tell already shell be a blue-eyed beauty like her mum.
ButI havent even got any nappies for her. And how on earth could I possibly afford fare back home with a baby in tow? Annas resistance began to melt away.
Oh, well help you. The hospital has a fundwell get together everything your little girl might need. And Ill see you safely to the station. Shall we think of a name for her, then?
Grace Anna whispered.
A lovely name, and it suits her perfectly! Now take little Gracie, feed her, and Ill check in a bit later.
For a moment, Nora held her breath and placed the baby gently in Annas arms. Anna took her daughter ever so carefully, almost unsure, as tears rolled down her cheeks. As she cradled her child, Anna knew, without a doubt, she could never part with her.
Well, doctor? Think shell change her mind about the adoption? someone asked nearby.
I think so! Nora replied with a tearful smile.
At the station later that day, it was as though Anna had awoken from a nightmare. She hugged her daughter close, afraid someone might snatch her away. Nora, true to her word, stood by to see them off.
Thank you It stings to think I wanted to abandon my baby, Anna said, her voice trembling.
Your troubles arent easy, I know, replied Nora. But hard times pass, Anna. Had you left your daughter behind, thats something lasting youd have lost. I knowI made an unforgivable mistake once Ive paid for it my whole life.
What mistake? Anna asked in surprise. I always thought you were a saint.
I was young and alone, no family, no home, Nora replied quietly. I was frightened and tried to solve things on my own. Because of it, I could never have children. My husband left me when he found out. Thats why I became a midwifeI thought maybe helping other babies might be my way to make up for it.
Anna was silent, tears in her own eyes.
Im so sorry Youve helped bring so many children into the world, but never had the chance to raise your own.
Look after Grace, Anna. And remember: if things ever get especially tough, you know where to find me.
The two women embraced as though they were family. Soon the train arrived. Anna waved goodbye from the window as Nora looked after her, dabbing away tears she could not hide.
The journey home was long and difficult. Walking up the garden path to her mothers cottage in the village, Anna clutched Grace in one arm, and with the other, dragged the bundle from the hospital with everything shed been given. How will my mother accept us? What will she say? Anna fretted nervously, unsure of her welcome.
Anna? Is that you? called a neighbour from behind the garden gate.
Yes. Aunt Molly, is my mother in?
Aunt Mollys expression changed. You didnt know? Your mum passed away more than half a year ago.
Anna felt her knees buckle. Maybe, she thought, it was for the besther mother would not have lived to see her shame. Is she yours, then? Aunt Molly nodded towards Grace.
Yes, shes mine! Anna replied, pride swelling in her voice.
She walked unsteadily into the house, struggling to fight back her tears and despair. But with her daughter in her arms, she couldnt let herself unravel. Were together now, darling, not alone. Were strongand well get through this, she whispered, holding her daughter close.
***
Ten years passed. Christmas was approaching. Anna was fussing over the stove, while Grace gazed wistfully through the window at the snow blanketing the garden path.
Mum, why dont I have a grandma? My friends are always visiting their grans and grandads at Christmas. They get such lovely presents and talk about the visits for ages, Grace said quietly.
Our grandma passed away long before you were born, love. She never got the chance to meet you, Anna replied sadly.
What about another grandma? Everyone else has two Grace persisted.
Anna smiled, struck by an idea. Actually, you do have another gran! Perhaps we could bake some scones and visit her? Shes ever so kind, used to work at the maternity hospitalher names Nora, remember?
The next day, Anna and Grace took the train to the city. At the hospital, Anna asked to see Nora the midwife.
She retired ages ago, love! Health wasnt the best, the receptionist told her.
Weve come all this waycould you possibly help? We just want to pay a visit Anna pleaded. Were family, she added quickly, thinking a stranger wouldnt be given the address otherwise. I havent seen Auntie Nora in years, and, well, weve lost her address.
Please miss, wed so like to see Grandma! Grace added.
The receptionist hesitated, then relented. Alright, Ill see what I can do.
After a while, she returned, handing over a scrap of paper with an address. Give her my regards, please.
Thank you! We absolutely will! Anna beamed.
They hailed a cab, hearts fluttering in excitement. Climbing the stairs with Grace, Annas thoughts raced: Please, lets not be too late The door opened almost instantly. There was Nora, thankfully still in good spirits.
Good evening! Anna greeted her warmly.
Nora peered closely, trying to remember where she knew Anna from.
Anna? Is it really you? she asked in a trembling voice.
Its me, and you havent changed a bit! And this is Gracedo you remember?
Of course I do! Nora laughed, her eyes shining. Why are we all standing in a draught? Come in, my dears.
Within half an hour, the women were chatting easily over tea, swapping stories about life. Grace played with Noras cat, watching her favourite childrens programmes.
Stay with me, Nora suggested gently. I live aloneand you and Grace Well, youre almost family. Grace could attend a lovely school nearby, and you could find a job.
Anna hesitated. But what about my home? It seems a shame to leave it empty. Why not come and live with us in the village? The airs fresh, the rivers nearby, in summer the countryside is beautiful. Its paradise compared to the city.
We can try it! Nora agreed, grinning. Ive always dreamt of keeping a little veg patchnever thought about having a cow though! Her eyes, suddenly bright with hope, twinkled with excitement.
Then its settled! Youre coming with us! Anna said, triumphant.
Are you going to be our gran for good, Grandma Nora? Grace hugged her.
Yes, I always wished for a granddaughter just like you!
The very next day, the three of them packed up and moved to the village. Each found a new kind of happiness. Anna felt comforted, no longer alone with just Grace. Nora, never imagining shed have a family of her own, relished the idea of new adventures in the countryside. And Grace was simply overjoyedat last, she had a grandmother to spend Christmas with.
Sometimes life takes us on difficult journeys, but family can be found in the most unexpected placesand together, we find strength and hope, no matter what lies ahead.
