“Oh, Dr. Sanders. I formerly raised children as a single father. “These three angels were not nearly as good as mine,” Bob chuckled. “I told them stories about fairies and taught them how to clean up after themselves. Your kids devoured that. Perhaps you should get them other books.”
Star-struck, I nodded. I had never heard anyone refer to my children as “angels,” and they had never shown any interest in the few books I had been given. “It’s unbelievable,” I said.
“It was simple. But I have to leave now,” Bob remarked, reaching behind a chair to retrieve his work jacket.
“Yes, indeed. I apologise profusely for being late.” I touched my forehead and muttered, “I’m so embarrassed.” “I’ll pay you triple for that.”
“No, no, no.” Bob raised his hands and shook his head, saying, “I don’t need money.”
“Please. For your time,” I emphasised, giving you a harsh glance. I knew Bob would not be able to turn down the money since the people at the hospital were terrified of that face.
He laughed and said, “Okay, I’ll treat the kids to something nice.” I’ll miss you, Dr. Sanders. Enjoy your day!”
“Thank you!” Weary, I let out a shout.
I was on the verge of tears, but my kids behaved for the rest of the day. The day was beyond perfect.
So, using my connections at the hospital, I called Bob and offered him a full-time nanny position, tripling his existing pay and including extra health benefits. At the end of the day, he accepted, and I was so appreciative that I gave him a Christmas bonus and airline tickets so his family could travel to Disneyland in California next year.
With Bob’s assistance, I quickly saw that my children required a family-like carer, as that was what their father provided for them. They detested being around strangers and daycare centres. They did it, and I couldn’t blame them. But I was overjoyed to have at last figured out how to solve our issue!
Bob was kind and patient when he spoke to my children, treating them as equals. I did my best, but I had never been that way. They stopped yelling and wrecking the home all the time, so I was able to be much more understanding with them. I spent more time with them, and each day we grew closer.
My hero was Bob. As time passed, I was even more convinced that Bob entered my life because the cosmos had foreseen my children’s need for him.
What lessons we can learn from this tale?
Given the right care and attention, even the noisiest and most energetic children can be made to change. Bob was able to teach the kids manners and how to talk to them, unlike Opal.
When you least expect them, certain people are like angels sent by the cosmos. Opal’s family was blessed with Bob following her husband’s death.
