Emma Richards was an old woman who lived alone. She had no children, no family left, and spent most of her days in quiet solitude. Her husband, John, had passed away seven years ago, leaving her with only memories and an empty house. Life had become predictable, a routine of watching television, reading books, and making simple meals for herself.
Then, one day, something unexpected happened.
The doorbell rang.
Emma, who rarely had visitors, slowly made her way to the door. When she opened it, a delivery man stood there. He was in his forties, wearing a mask that covered most of his face. In his hands were several boxes.
“Hello. I wasn’t expecting any packages. Are you sure these are for me?” Emma asked, puzzled.
“Yes, ma’am,” the delivery man replied politely. “These were sent anonymously. But don’t worry, our security checked them, and they’re completely safe.”
Emma frowned. “Anonymous? How strange… Well, thank you, sweet boy.”
She took the packages inside and placed them on the small wooden table by the door. Curiosity got the best of her, and she opened the first box. Inside were small household appliances—an oven toaster, a sandwich press, and a coffee maker. She gasped.
“Who would send me all of this?” she whispered to herself.
With growing excitement, she opened the second box. It was filled with groceries, beautiful clothes, and warm sweaters. Emma’s eyes welled up with tears. It had been a long time since someone had cared enough to send her anything.
The next day, the same thing happened. The doorbell rang, and when she opened the door, the same delivery man stood there with more packages.
“You again!” Emma exclaimed, smiling. “Now, tell me, what is your name, sweet boy?”
The delivery man chuckled. “My name is Ted Harrison, ma’am.”
“Ted, do you know who’s sending me all these gifts?” she asked, hopeful.
“I’m afraid I don’t,” he replied with a mysterious smile. “But the sender asked me to give you this.” He handed her an envelope.
Emma’s hands trembled as she opened it. Inside was a note:
Mrs. Richards, please let me know what you need, and I will make sure you have it.
Emma gasped. “Oh, I am dying to know who this person is! Now they want me to make requests!”
Ted smiled. “Seems like the sender cares about you very much.”
Emma hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Well, if they insist, I suppose I could write down a few necessities. I don’t want them spending too much on me.”
From that day on, Emma prepared little snacks for Ted whenever he came to deliver her packages. She started looking forward to his visits. He wasn’t just a delivery man anymore; he became a friend. Sometimes, he even helped her with small tasks around the house—fixing a broken shelf, changing lightbulbs, or carrying heavy grocery bags inside.
For an entire month, Ted showed up every day with gifts—clothes, food, books, and even small surprises like fresh flowers. Emma’s house, once quiet and lonely, started to feel warm again.
But then, one day, Ted didn’t come.
Emma felt a pang of worry. She waited all morning, then all afternoon. By evening, she couldn’t take it anymore. She grabbed her coat and decided to visit the local post office.
“Excuse me,” she said to the young woman at the front desk. “Could you please call Ted Harrison? I have some donuts for him.”
The woman looked confused. “Ted Harrison? I’m sorry, ma’am, but no one by that name works here.”
Emma’s heart sank. “That can’t be. He’s been delivering my packages every day.”
The woman shook her head. “Ma’am, we don’t have any delivery personnel by that name. Are you sure you came to the right place?”
Emma left the post office feeling more confused than ever. Who was Ted? If he wasn’t a real delivery man, then why had he been bringing her all those gifts? And most importantly—who was sending them?
When she arrived home, she noticed something on her front porch. A small box.
Her hands shook as she picked it up. There was a key inside, along with another note. She unfolded the paper and started to read:
I learned the truth a month ago when I hired a private investigator to find out where I came from. I know you blame yourself for what happened, but I want you to know that I don’t blame you. I know you only did what you thought was best.
Emma gasped. Her eyes darted back to the key in her hand.
You and your husband couldn’t afford to raise me, so you gave me up for adoption. I grew up in a loving home, but something always felt missing. That missing piece was you, Mom.
Emma covered her mouth as tears streamed down her face. Her legs felt weak.
I recently bought a house and had this key made for you. If you want, you can come live with me. Please let me take care of you.
With love, your delivery man, Ted.
Emma’s whole body trembled. Ted… her son? The little boy she had given up all those years ago had found her.
A knock on the door startled her. Heart pounding, she rushed to open it.
There stood Ted.
“Hi, Mom,” he said softly.
Emma burst into tears. “My son,” she whispered, before throwing her arms around him. “I’m so sorry. I am so, so sorry. I never stopped thinking about you. Can you ever forgive me?”
Ted hugged her tightly. “You don’t need to apologize, Mom. I’m here because I want to be with you. It’s not too late to start over. We can still be a family.”
That night, Emma packed her belongings with Ted’s help. A moving truck was already waiting outside, ready to take her to her new home.
When they arrived, Emma was met with an even bigger surprise—Ted’s wife and children. They ran to her with open arms, welcoming her with warm smiles and laughter.
For the first time in years, Emma felt truly happy. She had a family again. And from that day forward, she was never alone.
Lessons from this story:
- The past doesn’t have to define your future. Emma thought she had lost her son forever, but life gave her another chance.
- Forgiveness brings healing. Instead of being bitter, Ted chose to forgive and embrace the mother who had once let him go.
- Love finds a way. No matter how much time passes, love has a way of bringing people back together.
And so, Emma’s lonely days were over. She had found her son, her family, and a second chance at happiness.
