Months later, at the official inauguration of the Robert Miller Children’s Home, I finally met Martin and Helen. They were as warm and kind as Lily had described. As we watched the children play in their new home, Helen turned to me. “When Lily told us about you, I was a little apprehensive,” she confessed. “But seeing this place, what you’ve built here, showed me who you really are. Someone who builds a place like this for children has a huge heart.”
Her acceptance was a balm to my wounded soul.
After the ceremony, Lily pulled me aside. “Our cardiac regeneration project was approved for preliminary clinical trials,” she announced, her face glowing. “And… I received an email yesterday. From Rachel.”
My heart stuttered. “What did she want?”
“She said she found out about my work online. She said she was proud.” Lily seemed confused. “I don’t know if I should reply.”
A year ago, my answer would have been a definitive no. But now, after rediscovering the meaning of family through Lily and her parents, I saw things differently. “What does your heart tell you?” I asked.
“A part of me wants to reply,” she admitted. “Another part is afraid.”