Policeman Finds Empty Stroller for Triplets Next to Abandoned Store, Hears Baby Cries from the Building – Story of the Day
I was just a single, ordinary policeman, dedicated to my job. Patrolling the city was part of my routine when one day, I stumbled upon a stroller designed for triplets, intriguingly empty. Then, faint cries from an abandoned store nearby caught my attention. Little did I know, following those sounds would change my life forever.
I'm Jordan, a single 32-year-old policeman, serving the community I grew up in. My passion for law enforcement runs deep, and despite being a well-loved member of this town, my personal life took a hit when my wife and I divorced over differences in our family plans. She didn't want children.
Healing from the heartbreak was tough, but I've always tried to look at the brighter side of life. Volunteering at community outreaches and diving into biking as my main hobby helped me keep my mind off things.
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Most of the residents were aware of my situation and often showed their support in small, kind gestures, which I deeply appreciated. One morning, as I walked into my favorite cafe, I casually noticed a triple stroller near the entrance but didn't think much of it.
"Morning Chris, I'll have my usual, please," I greeted the barista. Chris was always trying to cheer me up, and this time, he offered his special carrot muffins on the house. I accepted with a smile, knowing his kindness stemmed from sympathy over my situation, but I genuinely loved those muffins.
"Did you notice the triple stroller outside? Apparently, it's been here for two days now with no sign of babies," Chris mentioned.
I was puzzled. "What do you mean by apparently?" I asked, intrigued but skeptical.
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Chris wasn't there yesterday, but according to the staff who were, the stroller had been unattended since the day before.
"When I got here in the morning, I saw a woman pick up her three babies from it, but she never came back," the café's waiter suddenly chimed in.
This information struck a chord with me. Abandoning a stroller, especially for triplets, was unheard of. I walked over to inspect it, finding no toys or blankets inside. Just as I was about to dismiss my concerns, a faint cry caught my attention.
I first thought my mind was playing tricks on me, but as I followed the sound towards an abandoned store next to the café, it grew louder. The lock was broken, and inside, I found triplets wrapped in blankets, with empty milk bottles beside them and no sign of their mother.
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Without hesitation, I called for an ambulance and my colleagues in law enforcement. In the meantime, I asked Chris to quickly buy some baby essentials. Handing him my card, I instructed him to get diapers, baby formula, warm clothes, and some baby medicine.
I stayed with the babies, trying to soothe them, heartbroken over the thought of them being left alone. Memories of the family plan with my ex-wife surfaced, making me feel even sadder.
"I could have had children of my own by now," I whispered to myself as the triplets slept peacefully beside me.
When my colleagues and an ambulance arrived, they briefed me on what typically happens next: the babies would be sent to a temporary home by a social worker if their mother wasn't found that day. After that, they would be placed in a foster or group home, waiting for adoption.
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My heart sank at the thought of the babies being in the system. "No, please let me know immediately if you can't find the mother," I implored before returning to my routine.
Yet, each day thereafter, my thoughts invariably drifted to the triplets.
Weeks later, my colleague, Anna, beckoned me into her office with news. "Remember the day you found the triplets? I was there, and I've been following the case. I noticed you were quite distraught," she recounted.
I felt a flush of shame. "I'm embarrassed that my emotions showed that clearly; I tried to remain calm," I confessed.
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"Don't worry about it, and I know how much you love children. I followed the case, and it seems like Child Protective Services cannot locate the children's mother so they will be taken to a group home. I think they'll be looking for foster parents or adoptions if possible. I wanted to tell you before they were taken there because you were so adamant that you are notified," she explained.
"That's because I want to adopt them," I declared.
Anna smiled. I think she already knew that was my intention, so she outlined the adoption process, and I adhered to each step with unwavering commitment. Soon after, the triplets were officially in my care. It would take me a while before the adoption was fully legal.
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Meanwhile, the transition to fatherhood, especially under such unexpected circumstances, was daunting yet fulfilling. I believed destiny had chosen me to be their father.
However, my happiness would be short-lived. I'd only had them a while before a knock came at my door. Opening it, I was met by a woman, collapsing into tears.
"The residents around that told me you adopted my children; I'm so sorry I left them by themselves, but I had no money, and I felt that I couldn't take care of them. Please forgive me, please let me take my babies home," she pleaded through sobs.
She introduced herself as Priscilla, and I invited her into my home. I won't lie. I didn't want to, but her pleas tugged at my heartstrings. Still, she had abandoned them so carelessly.
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"I understand your pain, but I'm their legal guardian now, and I will make sure to take care of them," I responded, offering her some coffee. "Even if they weren't with me, they're officially in the system. You'd have to be investigated first."
Priscilla nodded, still crying desperately. "I understand, I was very irresponsible, and you have no reason to trust me. Can I come to see them on weekends? I got a job at a nearby restaurant, and I would love to see them once in a while," she implored. "I won't overstep or harm them ever again."
I couldn't deny her that request after seeing her genuine regret and commitment, so I agreed, not knowing what to expect. I had to inform CPS and everyone else involved about this, just in case.
Fortunately, Priscilla kept her word, visiting every weekend, but never crossing the line. She was their mother, but she understood what she had lost due to her actions. Observing her dedication and understanding her circumstances, my initial pity evolved into respect.
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Eventually, we forged a shared parenting agreement, allowing us to co-parent the triplets. It was a path I hadn't envisioned, but it felt right, offering the children a chance at a loving, albeit unconventional, family life.
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