A poor young orphan purchases an outdated second-hand stroller for her kid at a flea market and discovers something inside that will transform her life. Kerry Donavan met her husband, Tyler, when she was in foster care. They were orphaned at an early age and became each other’s whole lives. They married right after high school and seemed to be on their way to a great life together. Tyler had a solid job as a supervisor with a building company five years later, and he had fantastic health insurance and respectable pay, so they thought it was time to have a kid. Kerry was soon pregnant, and things looked perfect for the happy couple until Tyler got into a tragic car accident at work. He fell from the third story and severely injured his back.
Kerry, who had quit her work as a secretary in her 17th month of pregnancy, was at home when she got the message that her husband had been gravely wounded. She raced to the clinic, and her anxiety caused her to go into labor weeks before her due date. Her best time was also her worst.
After their daughter Leila was born, doctors informed Kerry that Tyler could never walk again. Tyler was in a wheelchair when he was discharged from the hospital six months later. Tyler received a disability pension, and his insurance covered part of his perks, but finances were tight, particularly with a newborn in the home. Kerry chose to return to work, and Tyler was adamant about caring for the infant.
Kerry obtained a job at a renowned cafe and usually worked late at night. Fortunately, one of her employees, Ms. Higgs, became a good friend. Mrs. Higgs, who was in her early sixties, was a cheerful lady. Mrs. Higgs would regularly join Kerry’s family at their home for Sunday lunch. Kerry told me one Sunday that she was saving money for Leila’s stroller.
«I’d want to acquire a stroller, but they’re so costly,» Kerry said to Mrs. Higgs. «Hundreds of dollars!» «Only if you buy it new!» «Mrs. Higgs!» yelled. «At the flea market, one of my friends’ kids paid $50 for a nice stroller.» Mrs. Higggs affirmed, «Yes.» «Strollers are costly, and they are marketed because kids only use them for a year or two. » I vow to take you to the flea market next week!»
Kerry and Mrs. Higgs went to the flea market the next weekend, and there was a wonderful antique stroller! Mrs. Higgs checked it completely from the inside out and stated that it was in excellent shape. Kerry enthusiastically paid for and pushed the stroller home. She cleaned the stroller from top to bottom, but when she removed the seat cushions to wash them, she noticed an envelope underneath them.
Kerry tucked the envelope aside, focused on getting the stroller ready, and she didn’t see it again for three days. Kerry saw the envelope while tidying off her desk. She turned it over and broke open the lid. Inside, there was simply one piece of paper. «If you’re reading this, you’re probably a young mother like me, and I’m long gone,» it continued.
I hope I can make a good difference in your life. Look beneath the oak at House 8 on Third Avenue. » Kerry went to the location in the message the following day and saw an old abandoned home with a great old oak tree in its shade in the yard. Is there hidden riches here? Kerry was ashamed to believe it, yet she was as thrilled as a kid on Christmas morning. The following day, she returned with a shovel and began digging under the tree.
She dug in the yard for days and discovered nothing. Kerry was about to give up when she discovered a letter in her locker that said, «You’re not meant to dig.» What you’re searching for is right there beneath the oak. » Kerry exclaimed. The enigmatic message was written in the same handwriting as the one on the stroller! She returned that afternoon and took another look at the stone under the tree.
The more she examined, the more it seemed to be concrete rather than stone. Kerry took up her shovel and struck the «stone» hard. Kerry continued to hammer it till it cracked but did not shatter. Finally, the «stone» broke. A little metal strongbox with a key in the lock was inside. Kerry was thrilled when she opened the box and saw a lot of money and what looked like a fortune in diamonds.
On top of the treasure was another letter that said, «My beloved, life has given me love and fortune, but what I most want is a child.» My husband and I struggled for several years to conceive a baby until God blessed us with a lovely girl. » Unfortunately, she wasn’t ours for long. Our lovely child died while she was young, and my husband died as well. She would have been your age, and I hope she was similar to you. » Be joyful, my beloved. »
Kerry rushed home to Tyler, a niggling doubt in the back of her mind. There had to be only one person who could help them! Who else had seen the stroller AND her locker? When she got to work, she was ready to face her friend and convey her thanks, but Mrs. Higgs had left. Mrs. Higgs left the cafe quickly and told the manager that she was going to a farm in Montana.
Kerry saw that she’d given a forwarding address, and the handwriting was similar to her benefactor’s! Kerry was certain Mrs. Higgs had placed the message inside the pram, and she felt heartbroken at the loss of her friend. Kerry and Tyler sat down and devised a strategy. Kerry and Tyler used the money and jewels to buy a nice small house with an additional room and a special automobile that Tyler could drive, then they went on a road trip to Montana.
Mrs. Higgs was taken aback when they arrived, but she smiled when Kerry wrapped her arms around her. «It was you all along!» Kerry said as she hugged Mrs. Higgs. Please, Mrs. Higgs, I don’t want to lose you! » Mrs. Higgs was asked to return to the city and live with Kerry and Tyler. «I adore you, Mrs. Higgs, and I understood how much after you were gone. » Will you not accompany us?»
«I know I can’t replace your daughter, but Tyler and I need a mom, and Leila needs a grandma,» Kerry said. We were hoping you’d accept the position… Mrs. Higgs accepted, her eyes welling up with tears. Life promised to be an adventure for the first time in many years, and she ended up partaking in the bliss she’d helped to create.