My friend came up and started talking to Tommy in a kind way. She reappeared after what seemed like hours, her eyes full of resolution. “Tommy needs to be taken to a safe place tonight, Laura,” she remarked. “I’ll set him up in foster care temporarily and start looking for his family.” However, we have to manage this carefully.

I nodded with a sense of both relief and regret. Tommy had become part of my heart, but it was time for him to go. I kept in touch with my pal over the next few days and got updates. They found Lisa, his mother, who had been looking for him for a long time. Now that she’d overcome her own struggles, she was prepared to welcome him home.

It was an emotional reunion day. With tears running down my cheeks, I watched as mother and son embraced. Lisa expressed her gratitude to me and we agreed to keep in touch by exchanging contact details. After several months, Lisa kept me informed on their development. Lisa was rebuilding their life together, and Tommy was doing well.

Lisa contacted me one beautiful afternoon and asked me to Tommy’s birthday celebration. Tommy welcomed me with contagious delight as soon as I arrived. Lisa gave me another hug and thanked me again. There was much celebration and laughter that day. As I watched Tommy play with his buddies, I experienced a deep sense of contentment and serenity. For Tommy, Lisa, and me, what had started off as a fortuitous meeting had turned into a transformative experience.