I DIDN’T PLAN TO BE A DAD THAT DAY—BUT SHE CHOSE ME

I was on patrol in a park in Modesto on a calm afternoon. At that moment, I noticed Kirara sitting by herself on a bench, holding a small newborn infant to her bosom. She appeared utterly exhausted, uncertain, and afraid. Nia was the name of her child. Kiara had recently aged out of foster care, was homeless, and was doing her best to raise her child in really difficult circumstances.

“I noticed her sitting by herself on a bench, clutching her infant—she was scared, exhausted, and alone.”
Something inside of me told me that I had to assist. I brought them to a neighbouring shelter so they could spend the night in safety. I believed that was the end of my involvement. However, I kept thinking about them. I continued to come. We grew closer with each visit.

“A place to sleep—but I had no idea how much they would become a part of my life.”
Kiara began to have faith in me. She started asking me kind, honest questions about how to be a good mother when she felt so lost, how to hold a baby, and how to keep her warm. I was shocked when she declared, “I’m not ready to be a mum,” one day. However, you care.

My life was revolutionised by that one sentence.

Kiara contacted me one day while crying and stated, “You already are what she needs.” She subsequently gave up her parental rights. It was among the most unselfish and tragic things I have ever witnessed.

In order to assist, my fellow policemen stepped in. They gave me everything I needed to start becoming a father, including toys, nappies, and baby clothes. I was exhausted, afraid, and utterly clueless about what was going to happen next. However, I felt I had to provide Nia with the protection and affection she was due.

“Tiny nappies, late-night feedings, and the greatest love I’ve ever experienced.”
A judge formally recognised me as Nia Grace Duvall’s father a few months later.

We still have Kiara in our lives. She gives love and support from a distance and pays Nia a visit on her birthday. The foundation of this partnership is mutual respect and compassion.

At four years old, Nia is a bundle of energy, curiosity, laughter, and affection. She had a profound impact on my life.

“She is my greatest gift today—a bundle of joy, sunshine, and giggles.”
On that day in the park, I had no idea that I would become a father. However, I was chosen by life to be hers. And I immediately chose her again.

Sometimes, love appears out of nowhere. And when it does, it demonstrates the true meaning of family.