In a world that seemed dark without her by his side, those words were his beacon. Richard felt he had to fulfill his pledge in some way, but he had no idea what it would entail. In a sense, fate led him on a path that would permanently alter both his and other people's lives.
Richard passed St. Catherine's Orphanage while strolling across the city one chilly, stormy night. He was drawn forward by the sound of quiet sobbing, even as the old building's low lights wavered against the night. Nine infant girls, hardly old enough to talk, had been left behind. They were all left behind for uncontrollable reasons, and they were waiting for a family to select them. The orphanage staff talked about sending the girls to other homes and separating them, but Richard felt deep down that if he did nothing, those young girls might never experience the love and unity they deserved.
With the storm howling outside, he stood in the doorway and decided calmly. "Then I'll take all nine," Richard stated without hesitation as he turned to face the staff.
He was referred to as stupid. They would question, "One man, taking on nine babies?" "How is he able to do that?" However, Richard didn't give a damn about their skepticism. He was driven ahead by his love for his late wife and his desire to share that love with others. With the little money he had left after selling everything he owned, including his car and belongings, he constructed nine tiny cribs by hand, one for each infant. His goal was to give the girls who had no one else a comfortable, loving, and joyful environment.
Although Richard lacked parenting experience, he had a strong sense of love and a desire to learn. He taught himself how to change diapers, braid hair, and treat fevers. He took his girls to their first day of school and learnt how to pack school lunches. He created an environment in which they could learn that love was unconditional and never have to worry about being left behind.
It wasn't simple. There were many sacrifices, doubtful moments, and restless nights. He hardly had enough sleep while working two jobs to support them, but his heart never faltered. He was committed to honoring his pledge to Laura—
"Love shouldn't end with me."
The nine girls—Grace, Nia, Lila, and their sisters—became exceptional young ladies as the years went by. They were flourishing rather than merely surviving. They were strong, resilient, and compassionate because of Richard's love for them.
As a nurse, Grace used her healing hands to treat people the way she had been treated. Nia went on to become a teacher, imparting to the following generation the values of compassion, generosity, and tenacity. With her strong sense of leadership, Lila turned into a community organizer, constantly standing up for the voiceless, just as she had done in the past. Richard's legacy, that of a man who had selected them when no one else would, was carried by each of them.
Their relationship was more than just father-daughter; it was something more profound and unshakable. From the ashes of abandonment, they had created a family, and thanks to Richard's devotion, they had evolved from survivors to advocates for those in need. As Richard had always dreamed, each of them had developed into women who improved the world.
In his latter years, Richard surveys the family he founded, a family that resulted from an unthinkable act of bravery, love, and faith. He doesn't require any major honors or recognition. All the reward he could ever want is the happiness in his heart and the love he sees in his daughters' eyes.
He senses the fullness of life as he observes them now—the leaders, the teachers, and the nurses. He is aware that Laura's dream was never unfulfilled. He was instructed to spread that love, which has since endured through generations of kindness, compassion, and care.
Richard knew better, even if the world used to think he was stupid. The most exquisite things can occasionally emerge from the most unlikely locations. In its purest form, love is a decision. And Richard Hayes chose to share it, in the most wonderful way, with nine tiny girls who had no one else.
And now, forty-six years later, that love is still growing and making a lasting impression on the world.