Nobody knows that Im not their real mum. Now, Emily and Jack are already in Year 2.
Years ago, I worked in a maternity ward. I have always adored babies. Theres something wonderful about the scent of a newborn, all milky and warm. I loved my job and would often imagine the day Id be a mother myself.
Not long after, I got married, and David and I started dreaming about having children of our own. But as the years went by, I couldnt conceive. I went through all the checkups, and eventually found out that I simply couldnt have children. I was terrified at the thought of telling my husband, half-expecting him to leave me once he found out. But David reassured me that he loved me and wouldnt go anywhere.
Wed almost come to terms with the thought of never becoming parents when something happened that changed everything. One day, a woman expecting twins arrived on our ward. She gave birth to a healthy boy and girl. The mother was an orphan herself, with no one to turn to, and the father walked out as soon as he heard about the pregnancy. She left a letter, giving up her rights to the children.
I discussed it all with David, and we decided to take the twins in. After sorting through endless paperworkand plenty of cups of teaour family was suddenly, miraculously, complete.
Now, Emily and Jack are full of excitement about Year 2, and nobody suspects that Im not their birth mother. Strangely enough, we all look quite alike. We havent told the children their true story yet; we want them to be a little older before we do.
Looking back, Im grateful everything turned out as it did. Life doesnt always follow the path you expect, but sometimes it leads you somewhere even better. Ive learned that family isnt just about bloodits about love, commitment, and opening your heart when you least expect it.
