Redemption

The night we were married, beneath the stained glass, is one of the best memories I’ve ever had. I will never forget Keira’s beauty, bravery, and dignity in that moment when she agreed to become the wife of the most terrifying man she’d ever met. She truly is a queen among women.

Every day, I work to become worthy of her. Someday, perhaps I’ll succeed. But I haven’t yet

“Undoubtedly, you would have faced the same fate, but God spared you. You can still create life. Perhaps that is why you were taken from us. So you would still be able to hold your perfect daughter in your arms.”

Fate isn’t something I spend much time thinking about, but with Marco’s revelation, I’m nearly leveled by what might have been.

If I hadn’t been kidnapped, I wouldn’t have everything that matters most to me in my life. I inhale a sharp breath. My hand cups the dark curls crowning my daughter’s head. Silently, as I fight the tears welling at the thought, the words thank you burst through my mind. Thank you for making me a father. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I could never have anticipated where life was going to take me as a result of the debt he said I owed him. I thought my life was ending, but in truth, it was just beginning.

I wouldn’t trade any of it to go back to who I was or the life I used to live.

Every single thing that I value most came out of what seemed like the worst thing to ever happen to me.

It’s a fact that’s never far from my mind. It’s the reason I live life differently now. It’s the reason I didn’t lose my mind when I had to walk away from everything tonight with almost no notice.

I trust that life is leading us where we need to go. It hasn’t let me down yet, even during those moments when all hope seemed lost.