Colleen, a 32-year-old single woman who dreams of having children someday, often walks her dog in the park. Every evening, she notices twin girls around eight years old sitting alone on a bench in ragged clothes. Their sad eyes pull at her heart, and she becomes increasingly worried about their well-being.
One chilly evening, she decides to follow the girls to see where they go. As darkness falls, the girls hold hands and leave the park. Colleen’s concern grows as they board a bus, looking small and vulnerable under the bright lights. After traveling nine stops, they arrive in a wealthy neighborhood, walking into a large house that seems out of place for them.
Confused and alarmed, Colleen approaches the house and rings the doorbell. A maid answers, and after some hesitation, a man in an expensive suit appears. He dismisses Colleen’s concerns about the girls and slams the door in her face, leaving her feeling uneasy about the situation.
Determined to help the girls, Colleen returns to the park the next day and introduces herself. The twins, Hannah and Lily, share their story: their mother died three years ago, and since their father remarried, they have been neglected by their stepmother. They are made to stay in the park daily and often go without meals.
Colleen’s heart breaks for them, and she offers her help. The girls express their desire to leave their home, longing for a safe and caring environment. Colleen records their story and gives them her phone number, urging them to reach out if they need help.
Later that day, Colleen confronts their father again, but he angrily dismisses her concerns, insisting that the girls should be grateful for what they have. Feeling a sense of urgency, Colleen calls social services the next morning to report the neglect. Within days, social services remove Hannah and Lily from their home due to neglect and abuse. Colleen eagerly volunteers to be their foster mother, feeling that it’s the right choice.
When the girls arrive at her apartment, they are cautious but hopeful. Colleen reassures them that they are safe and welcome to stay. Over the next few weeks, she creates a loving environment for them, taking them shopping for new clothes and enrolling them in school. Colleen finds joy in caring for the girls, who quickly become an important part of her life.
Three months later, while at the park, Colleen asks the girls if they would like her to adopt them. The twins burst into joyful tears, eagerly agreeing. As Colleen holds them, she realizes that the love she sought in a partner has blossomed into a family bond with these brave little girls.
The adoption process is challenging, but together, they navigate it and six months later, Hannah and Lily officially become her daughters. Colleen reflects on how her life has transformed. By following her instincts that night in the park, she not only changed the lives of two girls but also discovered the love and purpose she had longed for. To anyone reading her story, Colleen emphasizes the importance of speaking up if something feels wrong. You never know how your actions might change a life.
The acapella rendition of “You Raise Me Up” will give you goosebumps
It’s no secret that music resonates with many of us, almost as if it possesses its own unique language.
For centuries, as long as humans have been able to listen, music has held a significant place in our cultures, stirring deep emotions and inspiring countless individuals. While musical styles evolve over time, some songs remain timeless, continuing to evoke strong feelings and find appreciation long after their initial release.
One of the remarkable aspects of music, and songs in particular, is the unique interpretation each artist brings. A perfect example of this is “You Raise Me Up”, a classic first introduced in 2001 and later covered by notable artists like Josh Groban in 2003 and Westlife in 2005
Chances are you’ve heard this song, if not, it’s definitely worth a listen. The fact that over 100 artists have covered it speaks volumes about its enduring appeal. Among all the versions of this cherished ballad, one that stands out for its haunting beauty is performed by Brigham Young University’s Vocal Point.
Founded in 1991 by BYU students Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander, BYU Vocal Point is a nine-member acapella group that quickly gained immense popularity on campus and finished fifth in NBC’s third season of The Sing-Off.
In 2018, they announced a record deal with Universal Music Group’s classical label, Decca Gold. Jason Bromley, one of the group’s members, remarked: “We’re ordinary college students doing extraordinary things”.
Their cover of “You Raise Me Up” is a true testament to their exceptional talent, creating unforgettable musical moments.
The accompanying video features the group harmonizing against a stunning mountainous backdrop, merging their voices in an awe-inspiring manner. Still skeptical? Check out the mesmerizing rendition of BYU Vocal Point in the video below:
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