It was getting late for Bob Hollis.
A hospital in Florida had just contacted the 40-year-old man to inform him that a baby girl had been born—and that he was her father.
At the time, Bob was busy renovating his house. He and his wife had no biological children together but had adopted three, sharing a deep commitment to adoption and a desire to expand their home to accommodate more.
As a foster parent himself, Bob was especially discerning when it came to fostering children, having made a vow in his youth to welcome as many as he could.
While talking to his wife, he once said, “If I can help those kids grow up to become the best versions of themselves, I’ll feel like I’ve made a real difference.”
This image is for illustration purposes only and shows a sweet newborn Asian baby sleeping peacefully on soft fabric.
Bob was also the biological father of two adult children from his previous marriage to his ex-wife Ellen.
Two years after his divorce, he met Mary—his second wife—and the two tied the knot just a few months into dating. However, their attempts to conceive a child together were initially unsuccessful.
Eventually, their persistence paid off: Mary became pregnant.
Wanting to make her dream come true, Bob arranged for Mary—then two months away from her due date—to take a trip to Florida, a place she had always longed to visit.
Tragically, shortly after arriving, Mary went into early labor and was rushed to the hospital.
(This image is also for illustration only.)
Sadly, Mary passed away during childbirth. The hospital staff informed Bob of her death and urged him to come immediately, as the baby was still a newborn.
Bob rented a car as soon as his plane landed and drove straight to the hospital where his wife had died.
Upon arrival, he encountered an 82-year-old volunteer working in the intensive care unit—an elderly woman who had just recently lost her own spouse.
Entering her office, he asked, “What happened?”
“Please take a seat, Mr. Hollis,” she said calmly.
“I’d prefer to stand,” he replied.
“I’m very sorry for your loss,” she said gently. “Your wife experienced complications during childbirth.”
Overcome with grief, Bob broke down crying. Mrs. Sticks quietly observed him, allowing him space. A few minutes later, she cleared her throat and continued speaking.
“As I understand it, you’re here to take the baby,” Mrs. Sticks said. “But I need to make sure you’re prepared to care for her.”
She added, “Don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.”
(This image is for illustration only.)
Later, when Bob reached the boarding gate at the airport, the woman at the counter wouldn’t let him pass.
“Is this your child, sir?” she asked.
“Yes, of course,” he replied.
“I’m sorry, but she looks very young. How old is she?”
“She’s four days old. Can we board now?” Bob asked.
“I apologize, sir, but you’ll need her birth certificate, and she must be at least seven days old to fly,” the woman said firmly.
Bob’s voice sharpened. “Are you saying I have to stay here for several more days? I don’t know anyone here, and I was supposed to return home today.”
“I’m very sorry, sir,” she said as she turned to the next person in line. “That’s the policy.”
With nightfall approaching and no options left, Bob thought of Mrs. Sticks—the kind volunteer from the hospital. Though he didn’t want to burden her, he had no other choice.
“Hello, Meredith,” he said over the phone. “I could really use your help.”
“Compassion still exists in this world,” he reminded himself.
Bob ended up staying over a week at Mrs. Sticks’ house before returning to Texas.
Even his newborn daughter seemed to love the woman—her face would light up and smile at the sound of her voice. Deeply touched by her kindness, Bob often referred to her as a true angel.
(This image is for illustration only.)
During his stay, Bob learned that Mrs. Sticks had four adult children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Once he obtained the birth certificate, he was finally allowed to fly home—but he never lost touch with the elderly woman who had offered him so much help.
At her funeral, a lawyer approached him with surprising news: just as she had done for her children, Mrs. Sticks had left a part of her estate to Bob.
In her honor, Bob donated the inheritance to a nonprofit organization he founded in collaboration with her four children—as a gesture of thanks for her incredible generosity.
