While he landed a historic Academy Award for the film, the most important would be his stint on “The Lost Man.” It changed the actor’s life forever, as it was where he met his future wife, Joanna Shimkus.

Sadly, Poitier passed away last year at the age of 94. He and Shimkus had been married for 45 years when he passed away. It was revealed on his death certificate that he passed away from heart failure, dementia, and prostate cancer.

Poitier passed away surrounded by his family and friends and spent his last day the same way. His children mentioned that they were grateful that they got to spend time with their father before he passed away. They also said that to them, he was not a star but rather a husband and father. They said:

“He is our guiding light who lit up our lives with infinite love and wonder. His smiles were healing, his hugs the warmest refuge, and his laughter was infectious.”

About Joanna Shimkus

Poitier wed Shimkus in 1976, over ten years since divorcing his first wife, Juanita Hardy, in 1965. The couple stood the test of time, having been married for over four decades.

Born in Canada, Shimkus began her career in 1964 through “All About Loving.” She then had a couple of other projects until 1972, when she decided to take a long break from acting.

Her Acting Career

She did not have any projects under her name until 2010 when she appeared on “Yard Sale” and then “The Force” in 2018. Ultimately, it showed that she took a break from acting to focus on her family.

In 1972, she gave birth to her and Poitier’s first daughter Anika before giving birth to their daughter Sydney the following year. Both children have followed in their footsteps in the industry.

A Passion More Than A Job

Anika directed “Black Irish,” where Shimkus was an executive producer as well. Meanwhile, Sydney appeared in “Veronica Mars” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof.”

Admittedly, Shimkus did not think acting would be her lifelong gig. Before marrying Poitier, she got into the industry because she believed it was “better than being in an office.”

Loving Her Work

In the end, she continues to act because it’s something she enjoys doing. To her, it is not necessarily something she has to do to make ends meet, especially with her children all grown up and with their budding careers.

The Love of Her Life

Despite accounts of Poitier’s infidelity during his first marriage, he and Shimkus remained a happy couple up until his passing in January 2022. Speaking about how they’ve made it work, he once said:

“There is one key ingredient my wife has helped me to recognize over the years, and that is the importance of articulating love for one another on a daily basis.”

The couple shared a beautiful union for the time that they were together and when speaking about Poitier, Shimkus had only lovely things to say about her long-time partner. Gushing about him, Shimkus lovingly said:

“He is the most wonderful, generous, kind, honest man with the most integrity I’ve ever known in my life.”

She also recalled their wedding day, where their daughters were flower girls, and said that being in an interracial relationship with Poitier was never an issue for them because she thought: “[They] were just destined to be together.”

About Sidney Poitier

Meanwhile, Poitier, born February 20, 1927, was an actor, director, and producer. Aside from being the first African American to win an Oscar, he is also considered the first Black movie star.

He was born prematurely in the US while his parents were on vacation from the Bahamas. He grew up on Cat Island, Bahamas, and returned to the US as a teenager to enlist in the army during World War II.

Venturing into Acting

After a brief stint in a medical unit, he applied to the American Negro Theatre in New York. He did not make the cut due to his accent, so he worked on his enunciation and went back six months later.

At the time, he was accepted, which began a long and fruitful career as an actor. Decades later, in 1972, he ventured into directing with “Buck and the Preacher.”

A Hollywood Legend

Poitier would direct many more films, such as the hit comedy “Uptown Saturday Night.” After directing, he then went back to acting.

By 2001, he was presented an honorary Academy Award for his work in the entertainment industry. He also had a stint as the ambassador to Japan for The Bahamas from 1997 to 2007.

Being Rewarded for His Work

In 2009, he was awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, and his life has been immortalized in several books like “This Life,” “The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography,” and “Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-Granddaughter.”

By the end of his life, Poitier spent most of his time with his family. He would often reunite with his large brood, including his wife, ex-wife, and 27 of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and godchildren.

Poitier died at the age of 94 on January 6, 2022, at his home in Beverly Hills, California. He left behind his daughters and his wife. He was very proud of his daughters and said that they were his greatest achievement.

He said he invested in the planet by bringing six children into the world and said that he busted with pride that he gets to call his daughters his own. He was also proud of his wife, who celebrated her 79th birthday on October 30, 2022.

Taking to the fashion stage with an exuberance reminiscent of his iconic late father’s passion for wildlife, Robert Irwin, 20, made his runway debut at the Melbourne Fashion Festival. The event was a whirlwind of style and grace as the conservationist and TV personality walked the runway dressed in an array of sophisticated outfits.

His selections included a sleek black dress shirt with a matching tie and pants, a crisp white turtleneck under a striking blue suede suit, and a refined black and white suit. Some of his looks were also accessorized with smart cardigans and retro glasses.

Robert took to Instagram to share his exhilarating experience by posting various pictures that showed him on the runway. The caption accompanying his carousel of images read, “Never imagined I’d be walking the runway, but here we are! Wow, thanks for an amazing night Melbourne Fashion Festival!”

Another one of his posts featured an Instagram video that showcased his vibrant runway walk, radiant smile, and behind-the-scenes moments with fellow models and event organizers. “What a wild experience! Melbourne Fashion Festival was incredible!” he exclaimed, reflecting his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity.

Fans wasted no time in flooding the handsome young man’s comment section with praise. A focal point among the flurry of messages was Robert’s striking resemblance to Steve Irwin.

Admirers expressed their awe with comments such as, “Looking just like your amazing father Rob! You rocked it!!🔥,” and“Never in my lifetime did I think I’d see Steve Irwin (they are essentially twins) walk the runway and I’m here for it.” Other notable remarks included, “Awesome!👏You’re a spitting image of your dad!” and “Most models have a stern face when walking, but I’m so glad you smiled.”

More than just inheriting his father’s strong genetics, Robert has also continued to carry the torch of Steve’s incredible legacy. In a 2022 interview, the blonde-haired 20-year-old shared his perspective on the importance of his dad’s work.

He spoke about his desire to keep Steve’s ethos of kindness, environmental conservation, and making the most of life alive, which he said his father “exemplified.” He went further to divulge, “We have to create as much positive change as we can for our environment and for our fellow humans as well […] I’ll always just feel so lucky that I had the most amazing dad in the world, who was literally a superhero.”

Apart from his conservation work and in addition to fashion and modeling, Robert has also explored other career avenues and passion project pursuits. He is set to star as the co-host of the tenth season of “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!” alongside Julia Morris.

Of this opportunity, which he described as a “real honor,” Robert Irwin explained how it provides a platform for him to not only continue honoring his father’s legacy but also to forge his own path in both wildlife conservation and entertainment. Additionally, Robert’s humanitarian efforts were also recognized with The GQ Man of The Year, Social Force award, which he won last year, affirming his impact beyond the realm of conservation.

Robert’s professional pursuits reflect a multifaceted individual who, while deeply rooted in his family’s legacy, is eager to explore and excel in new domains. His runway debut—marked by style and striking looks reminiscent of his father, Steve—has only added another layer to his already impressive career.

Celebrated pop icon Katy Perry recently set the internet ablaze with her appearance at the Billboard Women in Music event. Donning a striking red two-piece ensemble that mirrored the allure of a mermaid, the 39-year-old found herself at the epicenter of widespread pregnancy rumors.

For her look, Katy opted for a daring blend of a strapless corset and a figure-hugging red skirt accented with silver fabric and criss-cross detailing that left her underwear and a bit of her backside exposed. She paired her ensemble with pearl earrings and a pearl necklace, red lipstick, towering black heels, and fashioned her black locks into a sleek long ponytail and fringe.

The “Dark Horse” artist sparked a frenzy among onlookers who believe Katy could be pregnant with her second child with her fiancé Orlando Bloom. Social media platforms were flooded with comments and conjectures.

“She is definitely pregnant,” one person declared confidently, while another pondered, “Is this [a] reveal announcement?” The curiosity didn’t stop there, with others hinting, “Um, baby #2 coming soon…” and outright stating, “Katy looks pregnant,” and “Is she pregnant [?] 🤰.”

While many focused on the possibility of a new addition to Katy and Orlando’s family, some voices expressed concern over her choice of attire, particularly in light of Katy’s role as a mother. “I love you Katy but this is too much as [a] mom; have some respect,” criticized someone. “I don’t care how hot my body is…I wouldn’t [wear] that dress, plus I’m a mom…I want some respect!” another echoed.

Despite the flurry of reactions to her outfit and the swirling pregnancy rumors, the couple has yet to confirm any news regarding expecting a second child.

As far as where the possibility of bringing a new life into the world stands, Katy Perry has previously discussed putting baby plans with Orlando Bloom on hold due to her Las Vegas residency. In a 2022 interview, she clarified, “I’m in Vegas, and I can’t do that show with anything in my belly, especially a human.”

Instead of focusing on how soon she may or may not have her next baby, the doting mom diverts her attention to her and Orlando’s beloved daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom, who was already running, coloring, and letting her loved ones know that she loves them at age one.

In August 2020, as part of advancing the initiative to advocate for healthcare for expecting mothers and newborns globally, Katy and Orlando—both UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors—teamed up with UNICEF to announce Daisy’s birth.

UNICEF shared an endearing image of the couple holding their newborn’s hand and accompanied the post with a message conveying the couple’s happiness and their commitment to helping others. A part of the caption stated, “We are floating with love and wonder from the safe and healthy arrival of our daughter […] But we know we’re the lucky ones and not everyone can have a birthing experience as peaceful as ours was.”

She also marveled at the joy of rediscovery she has experienced through Daisy. “It’s amazing to see everything new again through a toddler’s eyes,” Katy swooned.

Outside of her marveling over her daughter and her life as a mother, Katy has also spoken about her professional life. Interestingly, just last month, she hinted at an impending ordeal that is set to take place this year during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel.

While discussing her career at large and the fact that her time as a judge on “American Idol” will come to an end soon, Katy teased, “I have some things planned for this year […] It’s gonna be a very, very exciting year.”

Whether navigating the intricacies of motherhood and her career or flaunting a bold fashion choice, Katy remains a figure of fascination among fans and onlookers who watch her every move with keen interest and speculation.

As previously reported on November 6, 2023:

Katy Perry’s Little Blonde Girl Was Seen in Public for the First Time, and Fans Swooned over Her

Though the musician has shared a few words about her daughter, she and Bloom are typically private when it comes to exposing her to the public eye. However, little Daisy was seen for the very first time at her mom’s final Las Vegas residency show in November 2023.

Footage of Perry’s three-year-old watching her mom in the crowd, dressed in a cute red and white polka-dot dress and protective headphones, surfaced online. While on stage, Perry tells her daughter how much she loves her, calls her her best friend, and dedicates a song to her.

Upon seeing the blonde little girl in the video, Perry‘s fans could not stop gushing over how adorable Daisy is. One fan commented:

More people continued to compliment Daisy and called her beautiful. Another one of the “Roar” songstress’ supporters swooned:

“Wow, she’s so pretty and [the] cutest…”

Fans were absolutely delighted to see Perry’s daughter for the first time in public, and another fan even mentioned how beautiful it was to see the special bond between the doting mama and her baby.

Lopez was married to Marc Anthony, and the couple have two kids, 15-year-old twins Maximilian and Emme. Affleck and his ex Jennifer Garner share three kids: Violet, 17, Seraphina, 14, and Samuel, 11.

Lopez, Garner, and Affleck now have a blended family they love and cherish. The “Hustlers” actress said most of their kids are now teens who prefer their independence to hanging out with their parents all the time.

However, Lopez loves how she, Garner, and Affleck have beautifully blended their families. Lopez said at 15, her twins are now developing their individual personalities and challenging everything she does and says. The actress added that she now just rides the waves with her kids.

Lopez also opened up about having more kids after she had her twins.

The “Selena” star also revealed that after she gave birth to Maximilian and Emme, she faced some postpartum challenges. Lopez noted that she was “feeling insecure and uncertain” about her body after giving birth and was trying to figure out how she could possibly get back to her previous body.

As most new moms are after giving birth, Lopez wasn’t so happy with her body. So, she called celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson, who helped her get back in shape. Over the years, Anderson has taught the actress to embrace and love every version of her body.

The actress praised Anderson while presenting her with the Outstanding Achievement in Fitness award at the Daytime Beauty Awards on October 1, 2023.

After Lopez and Affleck got together, people began asking if the two would have kids of their own. A source close to the two spoke out on the Lopez-Affleck baby possibility.

The Possibility of an Affleck-Lopez Child

Affleck and Garner have three kids, but the actress revealed in 2012 that her then-husband wanted more kids. However, Garner said she wasn’t anticipating having more kids as she hadn’t realized how much more work was needed to raise three kids.

Lopez also opened up about having more kids after she had her twins. The actress was engaged to her ex, Alex Rodriguez, when she discussed possibly having more kids. Lopez said she wanted to have more kids, especially if that was God’s plan for her. She added that she would try and was open to the idea.

However, when Affleck and Lopez got together, a close source revealed that the two did not want any kids together. They noted that the couple is past the part in their lives where they want new children. The insider also said Garner, Affleck, and Lopez were trying to make their blended family work.

So far, the trio co-parent amicably and have embraced each other’s kids in their lives. The idea that Lopez and Affleck could have new kids would have made their fans happy, but the two are happy with their blended families and are enjoying their lives together.

In a touching tribute, Meri Brown posted a photo of Robert Garrison Brown during his time in the National Guard, accompanied by a poignant caption: “Our family is deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy, Robert Garrison Brown. He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him.” She added, “Garrison, you are loved and will be missed! 💙💙”

The family asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of one of their beloved children. This tragic news has deeply affected the Brown family, who are the stars of the TLC show “Sister Wives,” which follows the lives of a polygamist family. In January of the last year, Meri Brown spoke candidly about her relationship with Kody, addressing misconceptions and stating her stance with remarkable clarity and strength:

She shared that a month before her post, a publication had reported that she and Kody and confirmed the end of their relationship. However, the report was inaccurate. She shared, “The information, content, and timing was inaccurate and was based on a highly edited version of events that had been filmed months prior. In the months since the taping of those interviews, Kody and I have had many open and honest discussions that have led to our announcement today.”

Meri shared that there was still much of her truth that she needed to share, and that she would in due time, but at the moment of posting she was at peace and held no ill feelings toward Kody. She affirmed, “I am not, and pray that I never will be, in a place where I will enjoy making, or seeing you make, rude and demeaning comments about him. You likely will have a range of emotions and opinions at this news and want to offer comments. In doing so, please be considerate of the fact that we are real people, with real lives, and real emotions.”

She also asked that her fans refrain from congratulating her on the dissolution of her marriage as she valued the relationship she and Kody had shared for years and wanted to step into the new chapter of her life with power, kindness, and grace. She asked that her fans do so with her.

Furthermore, a significant revelation came from a clip of the show aired in October last year, where Robert shared his achievements and the estrangement from his father, Kody, with his siblings. Robert disclosed that since he had last spoken to his father, he had bought a house, gotten into school, and bought the car he longed for which his father told him not to purchase.

He added that Kody didn’t know of these milestones because “he [didn’t] care to.” In contrast, Kody mentioned he had reached out to both Robert and his brother, Gabriel, but was met with disinterest in engaging with him. He shared that both of his sons and had blocked him out of their lives.

As previously reported on March 6:

In an unexpected and heartbreaking turn of events, the world of reality TV mourns the loss of Garrison Brown, the 25-year-old son of “Sister Wives” stars Kody and Janelle Brown. Garrison’s untimely death has sparked a wave of controversy and blame directed towards his father, with many fans and followers expressing their grievances and pointing fingers at him for his son’s demise.

Garrison—one of the six children Kody shares with Janelle, including Logan, Maddie, Hunter, Gabriel, and Savanah Brown—was remembered by fans as someone who deeply yearned for his father’s attention and love. This sentiment was echoed in the comments section of an Instagram post that Kody made last year about his divorce from one of his wives, Meri Brown.

People left messages like, “You could have prevented this…” and “He JUST needed LOVE from a father. RIP Garrison 🙏🏻.” Others accused Kody of neglect, stating, “He probably did it to finally get your attention!!!! I was literally horrified when I saw him on TV begging for you to phone him and you continued to ignore him and blame him 💔💔💔💔,” and “Hope you feel the weight of this!!!! The guilt you will have!”

The collective outcry from the public underlines a deep-seated belief that Kody’s actions, or lack thereof, significantly contributed to Garrison’s tragic end.

The root of this blame seems to stem from a history of perceived neglect and favoritism within the Brown family. Last year, Garrison’s mother recalled her children’s feelings of inequality in their relationship with Kody and mentioned how they felt sidelined by him as he appeared to favor other members of their polygamous family.

“They felt like he was choosing one family over another,” Janelle shared, shedding light on the deep-seated issues within their family dynamic.

In a TLC video published in October last year, where the Brown family was discussing Kody’s relationships with his children, she further explained, “I can observe that Kody seems to have trouble relating to his older children, and he seems to dote on the younger children, and when my children were younger,[…] his guidance mattered to them […] Now, because they question it a little bit, I think it might be harder for Kody to feel like he’s respected.”

This narrative was further highlighted when the same video showed a clip of Garrison Brown discussing his life achievements, like buying a home and car, all of which Kody seemed unaware of or uninterested in. In response to these portrayals, Kody claimed he had reached out to his sons on two occasions, and expressed his belief that Garrison and his brother Gabriel were not interested in engaging with him.

The Brown family patriarch also previously spoke about feeling “powerless” as a father figure and admitted that his family had begun to “unravel” due to their inability to work through differences and varying perspectives.

As the Brown family navigates through this difficult time, the dialogue surrounding Garrison’s death raises important questions about the responsibilities of parenthood, the challenges of growing up in a divided household, and the impact of reality TV and fame on personal relationships. The young adult’s passing has left a void in the hearts of many, including his family, friends, and fans around the world.

Robert Garrison Brown, known affectionately to the public as one of the bright young faces on the hit TLC series “Sister Wives,” has died, leaving a community in mourning and a family grappling with an unimaginable void.

The Flagstaff Police Department, responding to a distressing call on the morning of March 5, 2024, arrived at Robert’s residence to a tragic scene. The 25-year-old, who had established his independence with his own home after moving away from his family, was found deceased.

Lieutenant Charles M. Hernandez II of the Flagstaff Police Department disclosed that Robert’s younger brother, Gabriel, age 22, made the heart-wrenching discovery. The preliminary investigation suggests a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with no indication of foul play. As the Flagstaff PD continues their meticulous investigation, the absence of any apparent foul play leads them to approach this as an apparent suicide.-

Robert’s journey on “Sister Wives” commenced in 2010, at the inception of the series. Viewers were introduced to the polygamous family, with Robert’s father, Kody Brown, at the helm, married to multiple wives, including Robert’s mother, Janelle Brown. The show not only captured the dynamics of Kody’s relationships but also highlighted the upbringing and lives of the Brown children, with Robert becoming a familiar, endearing fixture.

The recent years saw changes in the Brown family dynamic, including the divorce of Janelle and Kody in the previous year. Despite the changes, the children’s bond throughout the adversity remained resolute. The children often posted one another on social media, with Robert being no exception.

Robert’s passage into adulthood was marked by a commendable interest in serving his country. Initially aspiring to join the Army, Robert found his calling with the National Guard, a commitment that spoke volumes of his character and his desire to contribute to something greater than himself.

TLC, home to the series that chronicled Robert’s upbringing and his family’s unique lifestyle, released a statement expressing their devastation at the news of Robert’s passing. The network extended their deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Brown family during this extraordinarily painful time.

Janelle shared poignant photos of her son on Instagram during his time of service, her words painting a portrait of a mother’s love and a tribute to a life cut tragically short. “Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown,” her caption read. “He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him. His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory.”

In a solemn acknowledgment of their bereavement, Robert’s family chose his own Instagram platform to communicate the news. A statement read, “Our beloved brother/son Robert (aka Garrison) passed late last night. We appreciate the love and support from all those who have given it.” It concluded with a plea for privacy during their time of profound grief.

Just as Bob thanked destiny for giving him such a wonderful wife and two adorable kids, fate struck him with a painful blow. The 41-year-old, who had been married to his wife Sarah for nine years, ended up raising their twin daughters Kara and Christie alone.

Sarah came clean about her long-time affair with another man and left Bob to care for them on his own. But that wasn’t all…

“Is your ‘other man’ their father? How could you do this to me, Sarah? Tell me the truth….” Bob had argued, and Sarah’s reply shattered him.

She admitted Kara and Christie were not Sarah’s affair partner’s children. They were born to another man with whom she had an affair two years after marrying Bob.

When Bob asked her why she cheated on him, she said: “Because you scavenge the dumpsters for a living, and I’m ashamed to say you’re my husband. I want a rich life which you cannot afford.”

On his seventh birthday, Bob gifted Sam a book. “What is this, daddy?” Sam asked. “It feels so strange to touch.”

Bob was shattered. He thought he’d been living a perfect life with Sarah, but it took him nine long years to realize his wife, who he worshipped and loved, was not pleased with him. Bob could not see his daughters the same way again, but at the same time, he knew he could not live without them.

“Are you taking the children with you?” he asked Sarah the day they divorced.

“Why would I take the kids with me when I’m going to marry someone else? You can raise them if you want because their biological father died years ago,” she said without hesitation. Then she left, and Bob never saw her again.

Bob could not come to terms with the truth that his wife was gone, but he pulled himself together to raise his daughters. He felt this was what fate wanted him to do.

He battled against all odds to make his daughters happy. He believed they were his world, knowing little there was going to be a new addition soon.

One day, Bob found an abandoned baby boy crying near one of the dumpsters he picked garbage from. “A baby?” he exclaimed and approached the little one.

He looked around and saw nobody was there. He leaned and checked the baby’s carrier and found a note that read: “To whoever finds this blind baby, please take care of him.”

Bob was startled. “How could someone do this to an infant?” He picked the baby up and cradled him. The baby kept crying and wriggled his tender hands to feel the person holding him. He kicked and screamed.

Bob calmed the child down and took him home to feed him some warm milk before calling child services. “I found him by the dumpster,” he told the authorities.

Later, the baby boy was taken to the hospital, and his blindness was confirmed. Bob’s heart went out to the helpless little child, and decided to adopt him. “If I can raise two daughters by myself, I can certainly raise him too,” he thought.

Six months later, Bob legally adopted the baby and took him home. “He’s your new baby brother, Sam…What do you think?!” he introduced the baby to his daughters.

Bob was initially skeptical about the challenges he’d have to face. He knew Sam would need special care and attention due to his blindness, so he did his best to help Sam feel loved.

Seven years had passed when Bob discovered the boy had a special interest.

“….And then the princess escaped from the tower….” Bob would read bedtime stories to a giggling Sam, who would use his imagination to picture the beautiful princess trapped in a huge tower and a handsome prince secretly meeting her every night. Sam loved listening to such bedtime stories and never slept without one.

On his seventh birthday, Bob gifted Sam a book. “What is this, daddy?” Sam asked. “It feels so strange to touch.”

“It’s a Braille book. You must feel the raised dots and slowly follow them with your fingers. They will help you read and learn,” replied Bob, who patiently trained Sam to use the book in the weeks that came.

Every two months, Bob bought a few Braille books for Sam. They were expensive, so Bob would cut down on several expenses to afford them for his son.

Twenty years passed, and Sam could read and write fluently by then. He decided to help blind people and started a small publishing house. Bob helped him with the essential equipment needed to get things started, using the money he had saved for his daughters’ weddings.

With time, Sam’s business started to pick up. His newfound success meant he could change his family’s living conditions and still be able to serve society.

After three years, Sam was the owner of a huge publishing house that specifically helped blind people to read and write. His business fetched him a turnover of millions. He bought a huge mansion with his first million and moved in with his adoptive dad and sisters.

Despite not being Bob’s biological son, Sam made him proud in every way possible. He knew he was adopted and often said during interviews: “Parents are not those who give birth to us but those who raise us. My own parents didn’t want me. They saw me as a burden. I thank destiny for helping me find a loving father who helped me see the world through his eyes. Bob is my father and will always be. I’m proud to be his son!”

Gina Halloran was having one of the worse, darkest days of her life. Her mother had passed away three months before, and when she’d told her boyfriend that she was pregnant, he’d told her he wasn’t ready to be a father. She was going to be a single mom like her mother.

He had suggested that Gina terminate her pregnancy, but she’d refused. Now she stood outside a second-hand furniture store, her hand pressed to her rounded belly staring at a cradle, feeling lonelier than she had ever felt in her life before. “I’m alone,” she whispered, and a tear trickled down her cheek.

Just then she felt a tiny flutter in her belly, a slow surge against her hand and she smiled. She wasn’t alone, and she had her baby to think of! Raising her head resolutely she walked into the second-hand furniture store.

“Hello Mr. Torrance,” she said with a smile, “Did you get any more cradles coming in since the last time I was in?”

The store owner smiled back and gestured enthusiastically. “Yes! Come to the back, I had a beautiful cradle come in yesterday. I set it aside for you. I know you don’t like the modern ones!”

Gina followed the man and there in the back of the store was a wooden rocking cradle, delicately carved, like something out of a faerytale. “Oh it’s beautiful, Mr. Torrance!” she cried, then her face fell, “But can I afford it?”

A strange expression crossed Mr. Torrance’s face. For a moment Gina wondered if he was as nice as he’d seemed, or if he was going to make some unpleasant demand.

But Mr. Torrance’s smile was back. “My dear, you can have it for $50!”

Gina gasped. “Are you sure? But… The one in the window is just plain pine and it’s $200…”

Mr.Torrance nodded. “Oh, I’m letting you have it for the price I paid my dear because I know it’s not easy being alone and expecting a baby. Just clean it properly, OK?”

So Gina went home delighted, and when Mr.Torrance’s employees delivered her cradle that afternoon she was over the moon. That night, after her dinner, she started cleaning the cradle, brushing away the dust, and oiling the dark wood lovingly.

It was while she was oiling the wood that she felt something odd under her fingers on the headboard. She stooped and saw a small arrow carefully carved on the headboard, where the mattress would hide it, a downward pointing arrow,

Gina ran her hand under the cradle and t felt something, something that crinkled under her probing fingers. Carefully Gina turned the cradle upside down. Under it was taped a very old envelope.

Gina opened the envelope and found inside two keys. And folded inside the envelope, Gina found a map of the town, and a red circle was carefully drawn over one particular house.

As she turned over the map, she noticed some words printed in bold letters: “Use it in good health and happiness.” A treasure map? Gina felt excitement surge through her.

She could use a treasure! Gina had a job, but her boss had already told her that she would have to start looking for another as soon as her baby was born. Gina looked at the map again. “I’m going!” she said to herself, “Right now!”

Picking up her cell phone Gina called an Uber and typed in the street name and number on the map. Half an hour later she was standing outside the doors of an imposing-looking Victorian mansion.

Gina took out one of the keys she’d found in the envelope and walked up to the front door. The key slid in easily and turned with a click. The door swung open and Gina walked in.

She tried the light switch in the hall and light-flooded down from a beautiful old-fashioned chandelier. The house was beautiful! Dazzled Gina walked from room to room. The house needed some loving attention, but it was incredible!

Gina walked up the ornate staircase and started exploring the top floor. There, in a room that was clearly a nursery, she was stunned to see a cradle exactly like hers, and above it a family portrait.

Gina looked up at the smiling faces of a man and a woman holding two little boys, as alike as two peas in a pod. “Twins!” she cried, “They had twins!” Kneeling down she started examining the second cradle.

She blew away the dust and saw on the headboard another arrow, and this time it pointed upwards. “Up?” she wondered aloud, “In the attic? The ceiling?” As she raised her head she found herself staring at the portrait again.

Quick as a flash, Gina was on her feet and taking down the old portrait. Behind it was a green iron safe with an ornate keyhole. Trembling, Gina took out the second key and opened the heavy door.

Inside was a thick envelope, and a brown paper parcel. Gina opened the envelope with trembling fingers. It contained the deeds to the house, and in her name! She read the attached note:

“My dear Gina,” it read, “Please restore the house, and make it into a happy home again. Please keep the cradles and the old photos, they are precious family heirlooms, and yours by right.”

“Mine by right?” Gina wondered aloud, as she reached for the heavy parcel. When she opened it she was amazed to find neat bundles of $100 bills, more money than she had ever seen in her life before.

She was rich, she had a home. Gina cupped her baby bump tenderly. “Somebody loves us, baby, we are not alone!” Gina was packing everything back into the safe when she saw the photo.

It was an old-fashioned polaroid, and it showed a boy and a girl, smiling broadly, their arms around each other in front of a Ferris wheel. In her arms, the girl held a soft toy Gina recognized.

It was her mother’s teddy bear, and the smiling joyful girl was her mother! Could the boy be her father? But how was this all possible? The old cradle must have been meant for her and her alone — which meant that Mr. Torrance was in on the mystery.

The next day, after depositing the money in her bank account, Gina went to talk to Mr.Torrance. At first, he hadn’t wanted to tell her anything, but at last, he admitted it. “A man came to my store, a private detective, and told me to sell you the cradle.” Mr. Torrance blushed and confessed, “He paid me $1000…”

Gina made Mr. Torrance give her the detective’s business card, and the next day she marched into his office and demanded to speak to the person who had hired him.

Three days later Gina was sitting opposite an older version of the boy from the photo. “I’m sorry Gina,” he said sadly. “I loved your mother so much, but my parents wanted me to marry a rich girl.

“I was just 18, and when they found out we were in love, they sent me away to France to study. I couldn’t refuse them anything. You see, my twin brother had died, and I was all they had…”

“My mother was 16,” Gina said, “Pregnant and alone!”

Gina’s father bent his head. “I didn’t know about the baby, about you until I received a letter from your mother six months ago. I’ve been living in Europe, and after my parents died, I never returned to the States. I came back now, for you.”

Gina asked: “But why the mystery, why didn’t you call me?”

Gina’s father said sadly: “I thought you wouldn’t want to see me, for abandoning you and your mother. I thought you’d hate me…”

“I need you,” Gina said, “I have no one else. I think we need each other.” Over the next few months, Gina and her father got to know each other and became good friends.

AT her next ultrasound, Gina received amazing news: she was expecting twins! She ended up using both the cradles and her father regained his lost family through her two little boys.