Three months ago, Kathy entered my life, and within weeks, I proposed. Many called me crazy, but I felt sure. Now, I was flying to meet her parents for the first time. Kathy warned me her father, David, was tough but had a kind heart. Nervous, I arrived early and stopped at a café to kill time.
There, a man in shabby clothes approached, asking for change to buy coffee. Something about him made me pause. When I asked what kind, he sheepishly replied, “Jamaican Blue Mountain. It’s my birthday.” I bought him the coffee—and a slice of cake—and invited him to sit. He introduced himself as David and told me he’d lost everything years ago. Before leaving, I gave him $100, despite his refusal.
Later, on the plane, Kathy texted me that her dad would love me. Moments later, I saw the same man—now well-groomed and in a suit—walk down the aisle. “Let’s call it a test,” he said. “I’m Kathy’s father.”
He asked me to write a letter to Kathy. After I finished, he smiled, “Welcome to the family.”
At dinner, he watched me quietly. Later, I found a receipt: “Extra donation — $100.” I realized then—this family wasn’t ordinary. They valued heart above all.