When Sam learned that he was born with a disability, his mother, eleven years earlier, had filled out a refusal form. Sam saw that paper himself while delivering personal files to the NHS health centre. The nurse handed him a stack of folders and told him to follow her, but the phone rang and she hurried away, waving him toward the clinic and saying, Youve got it, go on. She never imagined that Sam would open the file, see his surname, and read his mothers refusal notice.
In the childrens home every youngster waits for a parent, but Sam stopped waiting and he stopped crying. His heart grew a steel shell that shielded him from the cruelty of others, from loneliness, from neglect.
The home, like any, had its own customs. On the eve of New Year the residents wrote letters to Father Christmas. The director passed them to local sponsors, who did what they could to grant the wishes. Some letters even reached the Royal Air Force squadron attached to the charity. Most children asked for one miracle: to find a dad and a mum. Those who opened the letters were left scratching their heads, unsure what gift to choose.
One day Wing Commander Clarke, an aircraft engineer, received such a letter. He slipped it into his flight jacket pocket, intending to read it at home and discuss possible presents with his wife and daughter. That evening, as the family sat down to dinner, he remembered the note, unfolded it, and read aloud: Dear adults, if you can, please give me a laptop. No need for toys or clothes. We have everything here, and on the Internet I could find friends and maybe even family. Below, in a shaky hand, was written: Sam Ivers, 11 years old.
Thats clever, his wife said. He can really connect with people online.
Their daughter, Emily, frowned, reread the letter, and thought for a moment. Noticing a tremor in her sisters lips, the commander asked, Whats wrong? Emily answered, Father, he isnt really hoping to find his parents they dont exist for him. The laptop is his escape from solitude. He writes find friends or family; strangers can become family. Lets take the money from my piggy bank, buy him a laptop, and give it to him together.
The homes New Year celebration went on as usual: a modest performance, Father Christmas and Mrs. Frost lighting the pine, sponsors handing out gifts, and a few families taking children on holiday visits. Sam, as always, expected no one to notice him. He was used to seeing only the prettily dressed girls being chosen; boys were forgotten. He had written the letter simply because everyone else did.
Among the guests that night he spotted a man in an RAF uniform. His heart quickened, but he turned away, breathing silently. When a bag of sweets was handed to him, the limping boy headed for the exit.
Sam Ivers! a voice called. He turned and saw the RAF officer standing behind him. Startled, Sam froze.
Hello, Sam, the officer said. We received your letter and want to give you a present. But first, lets get to know each other. Im Andrew Whitaker, but you can call me Uncle Andrew.
Beside him stood a graceful woman. Im Aunt Natalie, she said.
Emily stepped forward, smiling. Im Emily. Were the same age, you know.
Im Sam, he replied, using his full name.
Emily reached for the box the officer handed him. Here, this is for you. Come with us to a room and well show you how the laptop works.
They entered an empty study where the children usually did homework. Emily turned the laptop on, logged in, and set up a Facebook account for Sam. Uncle Andrew sat nearby, offering occasional help. Sam felt the warmth and protection of his new companions. The girl chattered like a flock of birds, but Sam noticed she wasnt whiny; she was savvy with the computer and active in a sports club. When they left, Aunt Natalie gave him a gentle hug, her perfume brushing his nose and eyes. Sam stood still for a heartbeat, then, breathing out, walked down the corridor without looking back.
Well be back soon! Emily shouted.
From that moment Sams life changed dramatically. He no longer cared about nicknames or the teasing of other children. The Internet opened up a world of useful information. He had always been fascinated by aircraft; he learned that the first massproduced military transport was the Antonov An8, designed by Anton Antonov, and that the An25 was a later variant.
On weekends Uncle Andrew and Emily visited him. They sometimes went to the circus, played arcade games, and shared ice cream. Sam felt shy to accept their generosity, uneasy that they always paid for everything.
One memorable morning the headmaster called Sam into his office. He entered to find Aunt Natalie waiting. His throat tightened.
Sam, the headmaster said, Natalies asking if you can take two days off with her. If you agree, Ill let you go.
Its Aviation Day, he added. Uncle Andrew will be hosting a big event. Will you come?
Sam nodded eagerly, unable to speak.
Very well, Aunt Natalie signed the permission slip.
Together they left the office, hand in hand. Their first stop was a large clothing store, where Sam got jeans and a shirt. Noticing his battered trainers, Natalie took him to the shoe department. Finding the right size was tricky; Sams feet were different lengths.
Its fine, she reassured him. After the celebration well visit an orthopaedic clinic and order special boots. One will have a custom sole so your legs will be even and youll hardly limp. No one will notice.
After a quick trip to a barbershop they went home to fetch Emily. For the first time Sam stepped out of the orphanages grounds. He had never lived in a family home, never felt the cozy scent of a livedin house. He entered a living room, sat on the edge of a sofa, and looked around. Directly in front of him was a huge aquarium, its colourful fish swimming something hed only ever seen on television.
Im ready, Emily said. Lets go; Mum will catch up with us.
They rode the lift down and approached a parked car. A small boy by the sandbox shouted, Look, a lanternwoman, a lanternman! Emily paused, then approached him. In the same instant Sam saw her twist sharply, and the boy tumbled into the sand.
What was that for? he asked, lying on the ground. I was only joking.
Pick another spot for jokes, Emily replied.
The airfield was painted with bright banners. Uncle Andrew met them and led Sam to his aircraft a massive, silvershining plane that took Sams breath away. The sheer power of the machine struck his soul. An air show followed; crowds waved, cheered, and pointed skyward. When Uncle Andrews plane roared overhead, Emily shouted, Dads flying! Dad! Sam, clumsy with excitement, leapt and yelled, Dad! Look, Dads flying!
He didnt notice Emilys eyes growing damp as she watched her mother wipe away tears.
After dinner, Uncle Andrew sat beside Sam, draped an arm over his shoulders, and said, You know, we believe everyone should live in a family. Only within a family can you truly learn to love, protect, and be loved. Would you like to become part of ours?
A tight knot rose in Sams throat, choking his breath. He leaned into the man and whispered, Dad, Ive always waited for you.
A month later Sam said goodbye to the orphanage. He stepped down the steps with pride, hand in hand with his father, his limp barely noticeable. At the gate they paused. Sam looked back, waved to the children and carers on the porch.
Were crossing the line into a new life, his father said. Leave behind the bad memories, but remember those who helped you survive. Always be grateful to those who gave you a chance.
Sam walked away, carrying the lesson that love and support can turn even the hardest shells into wings, and that a familychosen or givencan give a lonely heart a place to belong.
