阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（不多于3个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

    I had to visit my sister in another town because her husband ____ (be) very ill. My children stayed back in ____ (they) father's care, except for the youngest. I was nervous taking a train journey alone with my one-year-old daughter. However, I gathered all my courage and boarded the train.

    It was ____ (surprise) that there were only three other passengers in that carriage, two old ladies and a young man. My daughter was crying, missing her dad. I tried to comfort her, ____ her crying wouldn't stop.

    Just then the young man offered ____ (take) my baby into his arms. He stood with her near the window and started talking to her in a soft voice. My daughter stopped crying ____ (slow). I was both surprised and relieved. ____ stranger handed my daughter back once she was asleep. During the long train journey this young man continuously helped me. He fed my baby, sang to her and told her countless ____ (story). I was grateful for this man ____ had come to my rescue.

    After so many years, I still remember this stranger on the train with a ____ (thank) heart.