Jacob had volunteered at the local orphanage in Mesa, Arizona for years. Adopted himself, he felt compelled to give back—even if he wasn’t ready to be a father, especially with his girlfriend, Miriam, who had no interest in kids or charity work.
One day, while visiting the orphanage, a new little girl named Mia ran up to Jacob and hugged his leg. “Dad! Did you come for me?” she asked with a beaming smile. Stunned, Jacob sat with her as she proudly showed him drawings of a life they shared—on a farm, with animals, under the sun.
When he gently asked why she thought he was her father, she replied, “Because Mommy said you’d come. She was very sick, but she promised you’d find me.”
Jacob walked away briefly, trying to hide the tears he hadn’t shed in years. The orphanage staff explained Mia’s mother had died of a terminal illness and left no record of a father. Jacob took a deep breath and made a choice. “I am her father. Let’s start the adoption.”
That night, when he told Miriam, she exploded. “It’s the kid or me!” she shouted. Jacob smiled calmly. “I choose her.”
A week later, Mia moved in. Jacob gave her a warm home and a new life. Years later, he married Kara, one of the orphanage staff, and their family continued to grow—not by blood, but by love.