Life can surprise us in the most unexpected ways, especially when adopting a child reveals hidden stories or incredible coincidences that bring families closer. It often seems like the universe has its own plans for us, even if we don’t realize it at the time.
These moments that catch us off guard can blur the lines between our desires and what is truly meant to be, changing our lives in profound ways. Let’s explore several touching stories, each one a journey filled with love, loss, and the unexpected twists of fate. The first story is about a man who finds the son he had to give up, and in the process, gains so much more.
I Found the Boy I Had to Give Up and Gained a Whole Family
“Come on, Josh! You have to swing the bat with all your might. You can do it!” I cheered on a little nine-year-old boy standing at the batter’s box. At 27 years old, coaching a little league baseball team at the school I once attended wasn’t something I had ever planned.
Thinking back, a career working with kids never crossed my mind as something enjoyable or fulfilling. But here I was, finding myself in this wonderful job that brought more joy than being in a classroom ever could. After earning a degree in education, I initially spent a few years teaching English to disinterested teenagers before I decided to quit.
A friend, knowing my extensive background in baseball, offered me the coaching position. It felt like everything fell into place perfectly, and it became something I loved doing more than I ever anticipated. Coaching, of course, came with its challenges. It demanded heaps of patience and a constant effort to reassure the kids of their potential.
One of those kids was Josh, who was naturally shy and more interested in books. Playing baseball wasn’t exactly his idea, but more his parents’. I recognized talent within him, even if he was nervous about getting hit by the ball. I knew he would eventually overcome his fears and find joy in the sport. The day he finally hit the ball far off the field and sprinted to first base, the joy on his face surpassed my expectations.
“Good job, Josh! That’s the spirit!” I shouted, clapping proudly. That’s when Mrs. Finkle, accompanied by a boy I hadn’t seen before, approached me. “Coach Givens, meet Robert. He’s new and would like to try for the team.”
“Great to meet you, Robert. Let’s wrap up these sets, and then we’ll see what you’re capable of. Don’t worry, you’ll fit right in,” I reassured him, offering a warm smile which he returned. Robert sat with the others, and Mrs. Finkle went back to her office. As I watched Robert, I couldn’t shake the feeling of déjà vu. Something about him seemed strangely familiar.
I tried to dismiss this feeling, refocusing on the practice. Robert right away showed his natural talent in baseball and quickly became part of the team. He was affable, and his teammates enjoyed his company immensely. The practice session went smoothly until the parents started to come pick their kids.
When I saw Robert run to a woman with an inviting smile, who lovingly embraced him, it dawned on me—Robert looked remarkably like Emily, my old girlfriend. The notion felt absurd, but the more I looked, the more the resemblance grew. Ten years ago, Emily and I were caught off guard by her unexpected pregnancy, both barely 17 and unprepared for parenthood.
Our families opposed the idea of terminating the pregnancy, leading Emily to deliver the child but tragically losing her life in the process. Her parents, overwhelmed by grief, distanced themselves from the newborn, and mine, worried about the impact on me, encouraged adoption.
This decision tormented me, considering Emily had given her life for our son. Even though I loved him dearly, I felt trapped without resources or support and reluctantly chose adoption. That decision continued to haunt me, likely fueling my drive to coach kids who were the same age my son would’ve been.
Initially, the idea of Robert being my son seemed far-fetched—an assumption based only on visual similarities and shared interests. I knew my son had blond hair and unique green-blue eyes, different from Robert at first glance. Yet, as weeks passed, observing Robert’s demeanor, his skills, and his affinity for baseball, the possibility troubled my mind.
Before long, his features and mannerisms became more familiar, reflecting traits from both Emily and, unsettlingly, myself. Despite my hesitations, the urge to uncover the truth became too strong. “Mrs. Marshall, do you have a moment to chat?” I approached Robert’s mom as the boys headed for showers post-practice.
“Oh, call me Nina,” she answered, her direct gaze both unnerving and encouraging. Within me, this suddenly built the strength to ask the burning question. “Sorry about that, Nina. This might sound odd, but is Robert your biological child?” Her response was unexpected, met with curiosity rather than offense, “That’s a question I never got before. No, Robert and I aren’t biologically linked, though we do share looks superficially. He’s adopted and aware of it. Why do you ask?”
Feeling both vulnerable and compelled, I shared, “Years ago, at seventeen, I placed my child for adoption. I can’t shake the feeling that Robert might be him.” My statement hung heavily, laden with years of regret and longing. “Please, tell me more,” Nina’s interest wasn’t something I foresaw. I shared my story—Emily’s tragic death, my reluctant decision, and the endless remorse.
“I know giving him up was tough, but it never diminished my love. If Robert is indeed him, I’d find comfort knowing he has a loving upbringing. I simply need clarity.” My transparency was met with quiet consideration before Nina offered, “I can’t promise much. The agency shared little about his biological parents, but I admit, there is a chance. What if a DNA test confirms it?”
I hurriedly assured, “I won’t disrupt anything, trust me. Knowing he’s loved is enough.” Her cautious yet kind smile laid paths to hope, “Let’s do it.” When confirmation came through, Robert was indeed my son. Keeping my promise, I respected their space, but Nina graciously invited me to celebrate Robert’s birthday with the team.
Post-party, Nina suggested we share the truth with Robert, allowing him to choose the course of our relationship. “Are you positive, Nina?” The prospect both scared and thrilled me. “Robert deserves honesty, and I hope for your support especially if he wishes to bond. But I need assurance you won’t disappear.” With a full heart, I vowed, “I’m in.”
After Nina disclosed the truth to Robert, it was understandably a lot for him to take in. However, his trust in me as his coach helped ease the transition to acknowledging me as his father. Over time, our bond strengthened, and my affection for Nina grew, blossoming into something more profound.
When Nina and I declared our intention to marry, Robert was ecstatic. Our union promised him not only a fuller family but also the fatherly presence he cherished seeing amongst his peers. His joy knew no bounds as this newfound family gave him the companionship and love every child hopes for.
