She even called a pediatrician she trusted to get Lily the medical clearance she needed for the flight.
When it was finally time for James and Lily to leave, Meredith walked them to the airport gate. As James held Lily close, he turned to the elderly woman who had become his guardian angel.
“I don’t know how I can ever thank you,” he said, his voice choked with emotion.
Meredith chuckled. “Just promise me you’ll tell Lily stories about that stubborn old woman who once took you in. And maybe, someday, pay it forward.”
James nodded, his heart full. “I promise.”
As the plane took off, he looked down at his sleeping daughter and whispered, “You’ve already met your first angel, Lily. Her name is Meredith.”
And somewhere in New York, an 82 – year – old woman sat in her rocking chair, smiling to herself, knowing she had made a real difference in the life of a father.
