I turned sixty this year. By all rights, I should be thinking of retirement, but somehow I havent managed to take that step yet. That day, after my shift ended, I changed out of my uniform and set off home. The rain was pelting down in sheets, and typically Id forgotten my umbrella. I pulled my hood over my head and hurried towards the bus stop, eager to get out of the miserable weather.
Suddenly, I heard the plaintive cries of a baby. There, on the bench, in the pouring rain, was the tiniest baby Id ever seen couldnt have been more than a few days old. Without thinking twice, I scooped the bundled child into my arms and did my best to comfort him as I dashed back to the hospital he was absolutely soaked.
I called in the paediatrician at once. He checked the child over and said, Its a boy. Likely about two weeks old. Hes in good health. I cant imagine why anyone would leave such a little one like this. He needs someone to love and look after him. The look in his eyes said it all.
I decided to stay on for the night shift, even though it wasnt mine. Sleep would have eluded me anyway after that. Not long after, the police arrived to take my statement, which I gave while keeping the baby safe in my embrace. I dont think I let him go for a moment; he seemed to sense I was someone he could trust.
A couple of hours later, two police officers returned this time with a young couple. The girl was in tears, the boy looked utterly shell-shocked.
Can we see him? Maybe hes ours, the girl whispered.
They were hurried into gowns and shown to the paediatric ward. The moment she laid eyes on her baby boy, the young woman just broke down completely, clutching him to her chest and refusing to let go. I stood back, rather bewildered by it all, until the police officer quietly filled in the gaps.
Its like this, he said. Thats Emily and James. Their families never approved of their relationship especially Jamess mother, who did everything she could to drive them apart. When their son was born, Emilys family gradually accepted things, but Jamess mother insisted the baby must be someone elses. She promised to babysit while the young parents took a rare night out to the cinema and while they were gone, she left the baby outside the hospital.
My heart just ached for those poor young parents. Looking at them, I thought how hard it is when family lets us down in the worst way.
It breaks my heart to think that this little boy may never see his grandmother again. Sometimes, family isnt about blood, but about who loves you and stays by your side, even in the pouring rain.
