A little girl stood at her window and waved at me every night for weeks. Her piercing look stayed with me, making me feel uneasy and interested. What did she want from me? Who was she? The answer would make a huge difference in my life.
At my window, I watched her. My wife Sandy sat next to me and could tell I was feeling uneasy. She said, “She might just be a lonely child.” But I had a strong sense that there was more to it than that. The girl’s eyes looked like they were calling out to me.
I had nightmares about the child crying out for help that night and couldn’t sleep. Sandy came home to find me soaked in sweat and hearing the girl’s cries in my sleep.
I was determined to find out the truth, so I went to see her folks. It hurt my heart to cross the street and ring the doorbell.
When the door opened, I saw Juliette, a woman from my past. An excited little girl stood behind her, her eyes wide with wonder. She said in a whisper, “Daddy?”
My world fell apart. Juliette told me a shocking secret: the girl, Heidi, was actually my daughter, born during the short time we were together six years ago.
I had a hard time dealing with my feelings after hearing the news. Juliette told me that she had looked for me but couldn’t find me when she tried to call. We were given a second chance by fate.
My wife Sandy was there for me and loved and supported me as I learned to deal with this new reality. We all agreed that a DNA test would be the best way to find out the truth.
The results proved that the man was my father. I hugged Sandy with tears running down my face because I was so happy and scared at the same time.
Heidi threw herself into my arms when we went back to Juliette’s apartment. Sandy smiled as she ruffled Heidi’s hair, her eyes full of tears.
Juliette’s eyes showed that she was both happy and sad. “I just wanted Heidi to know her father,” she stated.
Sandy asked, “So, we’re parents now?” as Heidi clung to my leg as we walked home.
I gave her a squeeze. “That looks like it. Do you agree with this?”
Following a pause, she gave a yes. “We have tried for two years.” Not what I thought would happen, but I’m okay.
When I waved back at Heidi that night from my window, all I could feel was love and thanks.
I may not have planned to become a dad in this way, but as I stood there waving to my kid, I knew it was the right choice.
