Sharing a Daughter: One Child, Two Parents

One Daughter for Both
Sarah and Tom fell in love so suddenlylove at first sight, honestly. Theyd only been seeing each other for a month when Tom, on a quiet walk, surprised her.
Sarah, will you marry me? he asked. She was taken aback.
What? Marry you? Weve only been going out for a month!
So what? A months all I needed. I know youre the one for me Theres no one else, never will be.
Oh, Tom, well actually, yes. Id love to, she laughed softly, melting into his arms.
Later at home, her mum was full of questions about such a snap decision. Darling, are you sure youre not rushing into this? Youre not pregnant, are you?
Mum, honestly! Of course not. Tom just said he cant live without meand, well, I feel the same. Thats love, isnt it?
Those who wondered about their quick wedding were soon convinced these two belonged together. It was obviousTom doted on his wife, and she took care of him just the same. Their love was solid and genuine, but there was one cloud hanging over their happiness. They desperately wanted a child, but Sarah couldnt get pregnant.
Tom, perhaps we should see a doctormaybe theres a reason why I cant conceive? she suggested one evening.
Tom immediately nodded. Whatever it takes, love.
They tried everythingdoctors, appointments, even church prayers, but nothing helped. No matter what, Sarah couldnt have a child.
One evening, Tom proposed something tentatively. Sarah, what if we look into adopting? We could go and give a child a proper family.
Id like that, Sarah blurted out, admitting shed secretly wanted the same but feared hed be against it. Ive been thinking it too
Lets go then, Tom said, I know about a childrens home not far from the city, I pass it every time Im back from work.
So they went. Among all those shy, weary faces at the childrens home, a little blonde girl with bright blue eyes, just three years old, ran up and wrapped her arms around Sarahs knees.
Mummy, she said, beaming. Sarah could hardly bring herself to let go.
And just like that, Lucy came into their livesa lively little spark whose laughter rang through their home. For the first time, Sarah felt what it truly meant to be a mum. She absolutely doted on her little girl, and Tom adored Lucy just as much.
Life was happy. Sarah and Tom settled in a small village, where everybody seemed to know everyone else. Neighbours and friends alike all knew Lucy was adopted, but when she was small, it never mattered. As Lucy grew older and started school, however, someone eventually told her she was adopted.
Lucy was around fourteen at the time. That day, she arrived home from school in a whirlwind of tears and anger.
Mum! Why didnt you and Dad ever tell me Im not your real daughter? I know I came from an orphanage!
Sarah did her best to soothe her, promising theyd always meant to tell her when she was olderto spare her feelings until she could handle it. But now the secret was out, and there was no going back. Lucy sobbed and shouted, then locked herself away in her room, becoming closed off, even a bit spiteful, as teenagers sometimes are. Shed slam doors and lash out at her parents.
Around this time, tragedy struck. Tom was killed in an accident while returning from a business trip to London with a colleague. It was just before Christmas, a nasty snowstorm, and the road was too slick that night.
Tom used to travel off for work, sometimes for a week. If he was delayed, hed send a postcard homethis was before everyone had mobile phones. Sarah was forty-six when Tom died. Instead of supporting her mother, Lucy became even more rebellious, staying out late, refusing to listen, and giving attitude.
Sarah tried her hardest to connect with her, always taking the gentle approach. She never raised her voice, just pleaded and wept, but it didnt seem to help. Still, they carried on as best they could. Lucy grew up quickly. Then, one day after finishing school, she dropped a bombshell.
Im leaving for London, Lucy announced firmly.
Sarah, folding a dish towel in tired hands, looked up. Are you going to university, Lucy?
No. Im going to find my birth mother.
Sarah was winded. But why, Lucy? Havent I always been your mum?
Lucy turned away, staring out the window for a long time. I need to know who she is. Why did she give me away? Why didnt she want me? I have a right to know, Mum.
You do, sweetheart, Sarah replied softly, knowing nothing she said would change Lucys mind.
Lucy was nearly nineteen by then. She threw her few possessions into a small holdall, gave Sarah a quick kiss on the cheek, and promised shed visit from time to time. Off she went, heading for the bus stop. Sarah watched her go, heart aching, suddenly very much alone.
Time moved slowly after that. The days blended together. Sarah had long since retired and now spent cold winter evenings sifting through Toms old postcards, still tied with a ribbon in an old biscuit tin. There werent many, and the last, with a faded fir branch, read: Sarah, Ill be three days late, missing you, love Tom.
Sarah touched the card with trembling fingers, pressing it to her heart, remembering holding her beloved husband. It had been so many years since hed gonenearly twenty-five. Life felt lonelier each year.
She hardly went out these days, aside from a trip to the village shop. The blinds were always drawn; the letterbox never saw a post. Quiet filled the house, except when Oliver, the cat, leapt onto the windowsill or purred loudly by her feet. At least he kept her company for tea and encouraged her to venture out now and then.
One gloomy morning, Sarah remembered when Lucy had left for London. She relived it over and over. She was sitting in the kitchen, tea brewed, when someone knocked at the gate.
She pulled her cardigan around her and stepped outside. A much younger woman stood therea hesitant, sad look in her eyes.
Hello Are you Sarah? the strangers voice was shaky.
Yes, I am. And you are?
The woman shifted from foot to foot, clearly nervous. Im Lucys mum Well, her other mumI mean, her birth mother. My names Jane I suppose you figured it out.
Sarah felt a cold shiver run through her. Lucy had left not long ago, and now here was her birth mum, of all people. Is something wrong with Lucy? Youre here
Jane was quick to explain. Lucys in hospital. In London. Something went wrong with her stomach. We were walking in the park, she doubled over in pain and sat on a benchshe turned white as a sheet. I called an ambulance right away.
They stood in silence, studying one another.
She found me some time ago, but was frightened to tell you, Jane admitted, tears in her voice.
Oh, dont just stand about, come in, Sarah suddenly remembered herself, ushering Jane inside.
She set Jane down with a hot cup of tea. Jane explained, I was just a girl myself when I had Lucy. My parents were old-fashioned and strict; they forced me to give her up. My boyfriend vanished as soon as he found out, and my parents threatened to throw me out if I kept the baby. So, in the end, I signed the adoption papers in hospital. Ive lived with the guilt all these yearsoh, but sorry, nows not the time. Lucys been asking for you nonstop; she wants you at her bedside.
Sarah jumped to her feet. Why didnt she call me herself?
Her handbag was stolen while we were waiting for the ambulance. When I got back, it was goneher phone, her papers, everything. She gave me your address and said, Find my mum.
The two women sat quietly for a moment, the tension between them fading into shared worry.
Lets go, Sarah decided, locking up the house.
It felt like the bus to London took forever. At first, they were silent, but then, slowly, they opened up.
Im alone too, Jane confessed eventually. My husband died three years ago after a long illness, and I could never have another child. I know its what I deserve, for giving Lucy away. Its my punishment
So its just Lucy for both of us, Sarah murmured.
Yes. Weve only got one daughter between us, Jane replied, quietly.
At the hospital, the nurse asked, Who are you visiting?
Our daughter, Lucy Carter, both women said at once.
And who are you?
Were her mothers, they answered, smiles breaking through as they shared a rare laugh.
Two mums? All right then, in you go, the nurse waved them through.
Lucy lay pale and tired under a drip, but was smiling as soon as she saw them.
Mumand Mum, she whispered.
Sarah kissed her first. Shh, sweetheart, Im here, and Jane took a seat on the other side.
Youre not alone, love. Everythings going to be just fine, Jane assured her, fussing with her blanket.
They sat by Lucys bedside for ages, talking about everything and nothing.
Since then, Lucy has had two mums, went on to marry and have two lively sons of her own. Sarah and Janetwo mums, with one beloved daughter between themstill meet up sometimes, all together as a family.
Thanks for listening to me ramble on, mate. Wishing you all the besttake care and be happy!