Jack was running late. The 40-year-old had just received a call from a hospital in Florida informing him that a baby girl had just been born and that he was listed as her father.

At first, Jack thought it was a prank, but he remembered that his wife, Sophie, was in Florida for a brief vacation he had organized for her while he worked on renovating their home — a surprise for her.

The couple had no children of their own but had adopted three kids, as adoption was something they both strongly believed in. This was the reason Jack was expanding their house to include more rooms, as they were preparing for a new addition to the family.

Jack, more than anyone, was passionate about adopting because he had been a foster child himself. He had grown up with a vow to help as many children as possible, giving them the love and care they deserved.

"I want to make sure these children grow up knowing they are loved and that they have every chance to succeed," Jack often said to Sophie, explaining his dedication to adoption.

Jack was also the father of two grown children from his previous marriage to Ellen. Unfortunately, their marriage ended after Ellen's affair with their pool boy was discovered. After their divorce, Jack met Sophie two years later. They fell in love, got married, and tried to have children, but they faced challenges. This led them to pursue adoption, but they never gave up hope of having biological children.

Then, against the odds, Sophie became pregnant. Jack immediately began planning the expansion of their home, including building a nursery.

When Sophie was two months away from giving birth, Jack arranged for her to travel to Florida, a place she had always dreamed of visiting. However, as soon as she arrived in Florida, Sophie went into labor and was rushed to the hospital.

Tragically, Sophie passed away during childbirth, and Jack was informed that because the baby was still a newborn, he needed to fly to Florida immediately to claim her. Without hesitation, he packed his bags and made his way to Florida.

Upon landing, Jack rented a car and drove straight to the hospital where Sophie had passed. Though the pain of her loss still weighed on him, he focused on bringing home their child.

At the hospital, Jack met Mrs. Green, a volunteer at the intensive care unit. The elderly woman was 82 years old and had recently lost her husband.

"Jack, I’m so sorry for your loss," Mrs. Green said gently as he entered her office.

"I'm here to collect the baby," Jack replied, trying to keep his emotions in check.

Mrs. Green studied Jack for a moment before speaking again. "I know you're here for your daughter, but before you take her, I need to be sure you can care for her properly."

Jack explained that he already had experience raising children, having adopted three, and Mrs. Green nodded with understanding, as if to say, "You will be fine." She handed him her phone number. "If you need anything, call me," she said kindly. She also offered him a ride to the airport when the time came.

Jack’s journey continued smoothly until he arrived at the airport to board his flight home. At the gate, the woman behind the counter asked to see the baby’s paperwork.

"Is this your child, sir?" she inquired.

"Yes, she is," Jack replied, his patience wearing thin.

"I'm sorry, sir, but she’s too young to fly. How old is she?"

"She's four days old," Jack said, frustration creeping into his voice.

"I'm afraid we can't allow her to fly until she’s at least seven days old. You’ll need her birth certificate," the woman explained firmly.

Jack's heart sank. He had no family in Florida, and with nowhere else to turn, he began to wonder if he'd have to stay in the airport for several days.

Just then, he remembered Mrs. Green, the kind volunteer at the hospital. Although he hesitated to ask for more help, he had no choice. The night was fast approaching, and he needed a solution.

"Mrs. Green, I need your help," Jack said over the phone.

Without hesitation, Mrs. Green offered to bring Jack and his daughter to her home. She insisted it was no trouble at all. Jack was moved by her generosity, realizing he would have never been able to offer such kindness in her shoes.

"Kindness is truly alive," Jack thought to himself as he made his way to her home.

For over a week, Jack and his daughter stayed with Mrs. Green. She not only helped him care for his newborn but also provided much-needed emotional support as he processed his grief over Sophie’s death. Mrs. Green even assisted him in making the necessary arrangements for his wife’s funeral.

Jack couldn't believe the generosity of the woman, whom he referred to as a "real angel." Even his daughter seemed to adore her, often smiling and giggling when she heard Mrs. Green’s voice.

During their stay, Jack learned that Mrs. Green had four grown children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Together, they helped care for the baby, went on walks, and honored the memory of Mrs. Green's late husband. These activities helped Jack feel closer to the family, reminding him of the warmth and love of his own late mother.

Finally, after receiving the birth certificate, Jack was able to return to Texas. But he never lost touch with Mrs. Green, keeping in contact with her over the years.

He often wondered what he would have done without her, and he never forgot her kindness. Every year, Jack would visit Mrs. Green and bring his daughter along until she passed away a few years later.

At Mrs. Green’s funeral, a lawyer reached out to Jack and informed him that she had left him part of her inheritance. The woman had treated him like family, and now she had ensured he would have a piece of her legacy.

In honor of her kindness, Jack donated the money to a charity he founded with Mrs. Green’s four children, including her oldest daughter, Margaret, who Jack had grown close to over the years. Eventually, Jack and Margaret fell in love, married, and she became a mother to his six children.

What did we learn from this story?

Kindness leaves a lasting impact. Jack could never forget Mrs. Green, who stood by him during his darkest time. Her heart inspired him to create the charity, continuing the cycle of kindness she had shown him.

The story also highlights the importance of giving back. Jack’s commitment to adoption came from his own experience as a foster child, and his actions offer a powerful example of how we can make a difference in the lives of others.

Share this story with your friends—it might brighten their day and inspire them!

If you enjoyed this story, you might like the one about a young couple who bought a used car and found a wallet under the seat with an old photo inside.

This account is inspired by a reader’s story and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.