Miranda celebrated her 100th birthday alone, as all her loved ones were no longer alive. But as she blew the candles on her cake, the doorbell rang, and an unexpected man stood outside her door. It was a surprise she didn’t expect after 60 years.

“I can’t believe I’m still here,” Miranda said as she lit the candles on her birthday cake and sat at her kitchen table. She was grateful for her years of good health and the miracle of a long life, having witnessed the world change through wars, technology, music, and love. She had a wonderful life.

Sadly, all her friends and loved ones were gone. She never married or had children, but that was her choice. Her career as a nurse had been too important to her. Many people warned her she would regret it in the future, but regret wasn’t precisely the right word for her feelings.

Miranda felt peaceful and happy, and although loneliness hit her sometimes, she was perfectly fine by herself. Until her birthday came. All she could do was remember her past, the parties, and the celebrations. The best way to describe her current feeling was bittersweet.

“I’ve been trying to find you, and finally, the hospital – Flagler Health, as it’s known now – agreed to give me your last known address. Thank God you didn’t move,” Adrian said, putting his phone away.

“You really wanted to find me to show me these pictures?”

“No, I just wanted to thank you. We recently had a health scare with our first grandson, and I was reminded of you. How you told me to fight with all that I had because I had so much to live. I think… I really took your words to heart. I think that’s part of the reason why I made it. Because for years, all my mother could say was I was a miracle. But I think you made me fight, Nurse Estevez,” he explained, making Miranda cry some more. “And I’m so glad you’re still here. The world would be a horrible place without you.”

“Oh, dear boy. This is the best birthday since… well, forever. The best ever. Tell me more about your life,” the older woman said, wiping off the moisture from her face. “But let’s have some cake while we talk.”

She rose to cut some pieces of cake and offered Adrian some milk. They chatted for hours and hours, making Miranda forget the bittersweet feelings in her heart.

What can we learn from this story?

Your good deeds will always be remembered by the people you helped. Adrian didn’t forget the nurse who cared for and encouraged him when he was a young, sick boy, and he returned years later to thank her.

In life, there’s no room for regrets. Miranda didn’t regret focusing on her career instead of having a family, especially because she helped many people.

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