“A lost photo that allowed us to find happiness”. A touching story

Little Ilya woke up at night to his own scream. He was calling for his mother again in his sleep. Ilya took a photo from under his pillow. He had found this photo by accident while walking around the orphanage one day. The boy kept the photo, and it became his real treasure, because Ilya believed that the young woman in the photo was his mother. The slightly smiling expression on her face calmed him down, and the boy quickly fell asleep.

In the morning, the usual ritual of the head of the orphanage, Valentina Oleksiivna, was to go around the children’s rooms and wish them good morning. When she approached Ilya’s bed, she saw a photo on the floor next to it, which had most likely fallen out of the boy’s hands when he fell asleep. Valentyna Oleksiivna picked up the photo and handed it to Ilya, saying:

– Ilyusha, where did you get this photo?

– I found it near the gate.

– Why do you keep it?

– Because it’s my mom. She is extremely kind and also loves cats.

The manager knew who was in the photo. This young woman, named Sofia, first came to the orphanage a year ago with other volunteers. Apparently, it was then that she lost her photo here. Since then, Sofia has been coming here often as a volunteer. She complained to Valentina Alekseevna that she could not get permission to adopt a child because she was not married.

– “Well, here’s a photo, Ilyusha,” Valentina Oleksiivna said, “your mom really has very kind eyes.

After making her rounds, the headmistress returned to her office, and a moment later she heard a soft knock on the door:

– Good morning, Valentina Oleksiivna. – The same Sofia with the photo was standing in the doorway.

– Yes, Sonia, come in.

The young woman entered the office and put a large pile of documents on the table.

– Valentyna Oleksiivna, you won’t believe it – I did it! I went through all the bureaucratic difficulties and finally got the permit!

– Congratulations, Sonya. I see happiness in your eyes, but I have to ask you a few questions. Do you fully realize the level of responsibility you want to take on?

– I am well aware of everything, Valentina Oleksiivna. I just can’t do otherwise when I know that someone needs me.

– Good. Do you want to see the children now?

– Why should I look at them, I’m ready to take any child, – Sofia said confidently, looking into her eyes.

This answer surprised Valentina Oleksiivna. So Sofia continued:

– Real parents are not given this choice. They do not know whether their child will be beautiful or completely healthy. But they will love them no matter what. And I want to be a real mother for my child.

– In all my experience, this is the first time I have heard such words from an adoptive parent. However, I know someone who is definitely waiting for you to become his mother. His name is Ilya, he is 6 years old, and he does not know his birth mother, as she abandoned the boy as soon as she gave birth. If you are ready, you can meet him now.

– Of course. I want to see my son.

The manager returned in five minutes holding the boy’s hand.

– “Ilyusha,” said Valentina Oleksiivna, “meet this…

– “Mom!” Ilya said in a trembling voice, throwing himself into Sonya’s arms. My mommy…

Sofia, barely holding back her tears, gently stroked Ilya’s head, saying:

– “My son, everything is fine, I am with you now…

She looked at the manager with eyes full of tears and asked quietly:

– When can I take my son home?

– Usually, parents and children, gradually getting used to each other, communicate within the walls of this institution, and later they take him away on weekends, and if everything is fine, for good.

– I want to take my son right away,” Sofia said firmly.

– “All right, then. Tomorrow is already a weekend. We’ll prepare the documents now, and on Monday you’ll be sure to come and arrange everything.

Ilya’s happiness is hard to describe in words. He held his mother’s hand tightly, afraid to let go even for a moment. There was a commotion around: the teachers began to pack his things, hiding the tears in their eyes.

– “Ilyusha, goodbye. You will come to visit us, won’t you?” Valentina Oleksiivna said.

– “Goodbye. I’ll come with my mom on Monday.

After saying goodbye to everyone, Sonya and Ilyusha went outside, where the boy immediately hurried to ask:

– “Mom, do you like cats?

– “Very much,” Sofia laughed, gently hugging her son, “We have two cats waiting for us at home: Fluffy and Dreamer.

Ilya smiled sincerely and happily, confidently walking home with his mother.