Sheila, a 65-year-old woman, lived with her husband Floyd. One day, after a quick grocery run, they noticed a little boy on the street, alone and confused. Realizing the boy was lost and crying, Sheila approached him to help.
“Are you okay, sweetheart? Where’s your mom?” Sheila asked gently. The boy, who seemed around four years old, shook his head and replied, “She was crying and said ‘Goodbye, son.’”
Understanding that the boy had been abandoned, Sheila decided to take him home while she called the police. “I know you’re scared, sweetheart, but everything will be alright. I’m Sheila, and I’m going to help you, okay?” she reassured him.
Once they arrived home, Sheila prepared a sandwich and juice for the boy, who introduced himself as Roy. She then called the police to report what had happened. When the police arrived, Roy hid behind Sheila while she explained the situation and handed over a note she had found in Roy’s pocket. The note read, “I can no longer provide for my child. He is better off without me. I am sorry, Roy.”
The police informed Sheila that they would have to send Roy to an orphanage while they searched for his mother. However, Roy cried out, “Orphanage? No! My mommy said that’s where kids go if they don’t behave properly.” Sheila, also opposed to the idea, offered to become Roy’s foster parent until his mother was found. If not, she was ready to adopt him legally.
Sheila and Floyd raised Roy with the same love and care they had given their own children, who had grown up and moved away. Although they lived modestly, Roy was grateful for the love and support he received from his new parents. They enjoyed weekends at the park, picnics, and family dinners, where they helped Roy with his homework and shared stories.
However, Roy still thought about his birth mother, wondering where she was. He envied other children who had their parents’ love, while he had been abandoned at such a young age.
Thirteen years later, when Roy was 17, his birth mother, Lisa, suddenly appeared at their house. She arrived in a large, luxurious SUV, dressed in designer clothes, and introduced herself as Roy’s mother. Sheila and Floyd were stunned as Lisa explained that she had been working hard for the past ten years to build a better life. Now married to a millionaire, she felt ready to take her son back.
Roy was overwhelmed by the sudden arrival of his birth mother and the possibilities that came with her wealth. He imagined living a life filled with luxuries he had only seen his classmates enjoy. However, Sheila, noticing Roy’s hesitation, gently reminded him that the choice was his.
Roy walked up to Lisa and, with his voice trembling, told her that while he understood a child should grow up with their mother, he couldn’t trust someone who had abandoned him on the street like a stray dog. He declared that he would stay with Sheila, the woman who had saved him, accepted him, and raised him with love.
Heartbroken, Lisa left but returned the next day with a check for a large sum of money, insisting that Roy accept it to build a good future for himself. Roy took the check but decided not to use the money. Days later, Lisa returned again, revealing that her husband had filed for divorce after learning she had given all her savings to Roy. Now destitute and homeless, Lisa admitted she had nowhere to go and planned to leave the city.
Roy, with Sheila’s approval, invited Lisa to stay with them temporarily. Sheila added, “You can stay here with us for the meantime.” After settling in, Lisa found a job at a local restaurant and saved enough to rent a nearby apartment. Although Roy could not bring himself to use the money Lisa had given him, he donated it all to a fund supporting children abandoned by their parents.
Roy continued living with Sheila and Floyd, working hard to repay their kindness. He treated them to restaurant dinners, took them on special trips, and instilled the values they had taught him in his own children. In time, Roy forgave Lisa. Although their relationship never became as close as his bond with Sheila and Floyd, Roy ensured Lisa was cared for, even while keeping some distance between them.
