My son has recently got married. Before that, of course, he brought his fiancée round a few times to meet us, and we took a real shine to her. She was a polite, humble girlbeautiful and clever too. We were delighted for our son and made sure everything was perfect for their big day.
At their wedding, my new daughter-in-law styled her hair so her ears were on show. She looked absolutely stunning, and at first, I thought nothing of it. But after a while, I happened to notice a small mole on her right ear. It was an uncanny match to the one my own missing daughter had. A chill went down my spine, and I felt I had to ask about it, just to put my mind at ease.
Darling, forgive me for asking something so personal, but were you, by any chance, adopted?
She looked surprised. No, not that I know ofwhy do you ask? she replied then got up to join a dance.
Her mother, sitting close by, caught our exchange and gave a knowing nod. The truth was out. The girl’s parents admitted theyd adopted her when she was very young.
Theyd told me the story later that evening. Years ago, theyd been travelling down a country lane when they noticed a little girl, sitting silently on the verge, crying. Without hesitation, they brought her home. Theyd tried for a baby for nearly fifteen years, but it hadnt worked out. Hoping to heal their hearts, they took her in but told no one the full truth of her beginnings.
It hit me like a bolt: it was the same year my own daughter vanished. Wed been shopping in the centre of London, and, as I turned away just a moment in those busy crowds, she was gone like a needle lost in a haystack. I never stopped searching, but after years and hundreds of fruitless attempts, hope slowly faded from my heart.
And now, here we were. My own son had marriedunwittinglythe very daughter Id lost, the child Id yearned for. Just think of the odds! Out of all the millions in England, he’d chosen her.
In the immediate aftermath, the girls parents were worried and regretful, afraid that the couple could never have a happy life together after learning the truth. But I reassured them. When I lost my daughter, Id wanted desperately to soothe my soul and set some of the world to rights. So Id gone to an orphanage and brought home a boy. To be truly honest, I think he chose me as much as I chose him. And thats how we patched things up, piece by piece.
So, in the space of a single evening, two long-guarded secrets were revealed, both rooted in the fierce love of mothers for their children.
When the guests heard the story, it was all anyone could talk about for days. It was, unquestionably, a miracle.
I often wonder nowwas it chance or fate that brought us all together again? What Ive learned is that lifes mysteries are greater than we know, and sometimes lost love finds its way home in the most astonishing ways.
