Bob Hollis was in a rush. At 40, he had just received a call from a hospital in Florida informing him of the birth of a baby girl, with him listed as the father.
Initially, he thought it was a joke, but the details matched. His wife had been in Florida for a brief vacation—a surprise he arranged while renovating their home. They had no biological children but had adopted three, as both were passionate about fostering. Bob, in particular, had a deep connection to adoption, having been a foster child himself. He always vowed to help as many children as possible.
“If I can help them grow into their best selves, I feel I’ve made a real difference,” he once told his wife.
Bob also had two older children from his first marriage, which ended after his ex-wife, Ellen, was unfaithful. Two years later, he met Mary, and after a few months of dating, they married. Despite trying, they couldn’t have children and decided to adopt, though they never gave up on having their own.
Their persistence paid off when Mary became pregnant. Bob, eager to prepare for the baby, decided to expand their home. He sent Mary, who was due in two months, to Florida, a place she always wanted to visit. Tragically, upon arrival, Mary went into labor early, and complications led to her passing during childbirth.
Bob received the urgent news and quickly flew to Florida to bring home their daughter. Upon arriving, he rented a car and drove to the hospital, where he was met by Mrs. Sticks, an 82-year-old widow and volunteer at the ICU.
“What happened?” Bob asked her.
“Please, have a seat, Mr. Hollis,” she gently suggested.
“I’m fine standing,” he replied.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” she said. “Your wife had complications during childbirth.”
Bob broke down, and Mrs. Sticks allowed him a moment to grieve. After he calmed down, she explained, “I understand you’re here for your daughter, but I need to ensure you’re prepared to care for her.”
Bob assured her he was an experienced father, and she nodded in approval. She gave him her number and offered assistance if needed. She even volunteered to drive him to the airport when it was time to leave.
However, at the boarding gate, Bob faced an unexpected hurdle. The airline staff refused to let him board with his newborn.
“Is this your child?” the woman at the counter asked.
“Yes,” Bob affirmed.
“She seems too young to fly. How old is she?”
“Four days,” he answered. “Can we proceed?”
“Sorry, sir. You need her birth certificate, and she must be at least seven days old to travel,” she explained.
Frustrated, Bob realized he had nowhere to stay in Florida. Remembering Mrs. Sticks, he reluctantly called her.
“Hello, Meredith,” he began. “I need your help.”
Mrs. Sticks didn’t hesitate. She returned to the airport and welcomed Bob and his daughter into her home. Her kindness amazed Bob, who stayed with her for over a week. During that time, she helped him adjust to caring for the newborn and cope with his wife’s death, even assisting with the arrangements for Mary’s body.
Bob was deeply grateful for her generosity, often referring to her as a guardian angel. His daughter seemed to adore Mrs. Sticks, lighting up at the sound of her voice.
Throughout his stay, Bob learned more about Mrs. Sticks’ life—her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Together, they cared for the baby, took peaceful walks, and honored the memory of Mrs. Sticks’ late husband. Their bond grew stronger, and Bob knew he would miss her dearly when he left.
Once he received the birth certificate, Bob returned to Texas but maintained contact with Mrs. Sticks. Her kindness had left a lasting impact on him, and he visited her annually with his daughter until her passing a few years later.
At her funeral, a lawyer informed Bob that Mrs. Sticks had left him part of her inheritance. To honor her, Bob donated the money to a charity he co-founded with her children. His connection with her family deepened, leading to a relationship with her eldest daughter, Shirley. Eventually, they married, and Shirley became a loving mother to his six children.