As almost all parents know… parenting, especially for first-timers… is NOT the easiest thing in the world. Not even close. But when it comes right down to it, it’s easily one of the most GRATIFYING things in the world and sometimes strangers can help during the toughest times.
Rubin Swift had just won custody of his newborn daughter, so he flew from Ohio to an Arizona hospital to pick her up. When he walked into the room to see her, a stranger was rocking her gently. That stranger was Joy Ringhofer, who was a volunteer at the hospital. And immediately Rubin and Joy made a connection; they bonded with each other as quickly as they bonded with the little girl Joy was rocking.
So after a short visit and getting all of his necessary documentation, Rubin headed back to the airport to fly back home with his daughter. But there was a problem. Because of airline policy, Rubin, who had already paid for the return flight, could not take his daughter on the airplane because babies had to be at least 7 days old, and she was now only 4 days old. Rubin asked for his money back for the flight so he could stay at a hotel for the next three days. But returning that money to him would take at least a full week.
Rubin had no more money, and he could not stand the idea of sleeping at the airport with his daughter for the next few days. So he thought hard on what he could do. Then, he remembered Joy, the kind woman he had just met at the hospital. He wondered if she could help him. So he called the hospital and asked for her. And sure enough, Joy was more than happy to help. She actually invited Rubin and his daughter to stay with her at her home for the next few days until the baby girl was old enough to fly back home with her daddy.
Says Joy: “I had such a strong feeling that I needed to do this for him. I know he was a kind and safe man to have in my home and he has been a perfect gentleman.”
So Joy took them into her home, fed them and took care of them as best she could over the next few days.
Says Rubin: “We’re two different colors and she opened up her door and it never was an issue. My color was never an issue. She loves my baby. She held her. My baby was with her all night. Who does that?”
Well, apparently, Joy does that. And a few days later, Rubin flew with his daughter back to Ohio.
Adds Rubin: “She’s the grandmother to my child now. She could have said ‘It’s your problem’ and hung up the phone. So, you know, I thank God for her and the staff at the hospital.”
We are sure you enjoyed the above story… watch for more: https://youtu.be/pbF9GbznkIU
