After her husband’s death, a 20-year-old woman and her 3-month-old son ended up on the street…

As if, having received a blessing from John’s mother, she finally allowed herself to begin a new chapter in her life. In spring, when nature awakened from its winter sleep, the John Cooper Charity Foundation celebrated its anniversary. During that time, they had helped more than 100 families in difficult situations.

The celebration took place in the foundation’s new premises, a bright, spacious office in the city center. Mindy, as director, gave a speech before employees, volunteers, and those whom the foundation had helped to get back on their feet. A year ago, when we were just starting, I didn’t realize how many people needed support, she said.

And how many people are ready to give that support? Our foundation is not just an organization, it’s a community of people united by a common goal, to help those left alone with a child in their arms. She scanned the room where those who had become part of this community gathered, Rachel, who now worked as an administrator at the foundation, Clark, who arranged free transportation for the foundation’s beneficiaries, John’s parents, who had become volunteers and invested part of their savings into the organization’s development, staff and volunteers, each contributing in their own way. Thank you all, Mindy concluded her speech.

Without you, none of this would have been possible. As the applause died down, Andrew stepped onto the stage with a huge bouquet of flowers. Mindy, he said, handing her the bouquet, you’re an amazing woman.

You’ve turned your pain into strength that helps others. I’m proud to know you. He dropped to one knee right on stage, and the room fell silent.

In his hands appeared a small velvet box. Mindy Cooper, Andrew solemnly said, you will make me the happiest man in the world if you agree to be my wife. Mindy froze, unable to believe her eyes.

She and Andrew had been seeing each other for several months, but marriage had never been discussed. Andrew, she began, but he gently interrupted her. Don’t answer now.

Think it over. I know it’s a serious step, and I’m ready to wait as long as it takes. But Mindy already knew the answer.

She looked around the room where Alex sat in Dolores’ arms, and saw the boy reaching out his hands to Andrew, as if giving his childlike blessing. Yes, she simply said. I agree.

The room exploded with applause. Andrew rose from his knee, slipped the ring onto Mindy’s finger, and hugged her tightly. In that moment, she felt that life truly goes on, and that many bright and happy days still lay ahead…