her son's final wish

nice story... (:


In Phoenix , Arizona , a 26-year-old mother stared down at her 6 year oldson, who was dying of terminal leukemia.Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feelingof determination.Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up and fulfill all hisdreams. Now that was no longer possible.

The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dream tocome true.She took her son's hand and asked, 'Billy, did you ever think about whatyou wantedto be once you grew up ?Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?'

Mommy, 'I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up.'

Mom smiled back and said, 'Let's see if we can make your wish come true.'

Later that day she went to her local fire Department in Phoenix ,Arizona , where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix .She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible togive her 6 year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine.

Fireman Bob said, 'Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have yourson ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll makehim an honorary Fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the firestation, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nineyards !

And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him,with a real fire hat - not a toy -- one-with the emblem of the PhoenixFire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots.''They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix , so we can get themfast.'

Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy,dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to thewaiting hook and ladder truck.Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to thefire station. He was in heaven.

There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go outon all three calls.He rode in the different fire engines, the Paramedic's' van, and even the fire chief's car.He was also videotaped for the local news program.

Having his dream come true,with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeplytouched Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thoughtpossible.

One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the headnurse, who believedin the hospice concept - that no one should die alone, began to call thefamily members to the hospital.

Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a Fireman, so she calledthe Fire Chief andasked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to thehospital to be with Billy as he made his transition.

The chief replied, 'We can do better than that. We'll be there in fiveminutes. Will you please do me a favor ?When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will youannounce over the PA system that there is not a fire ?' 'It's thedepartment coming to see one of its finest members one more time. Andwill you open the window to his room ?'

About five minutes later ahook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder upto Billy's third floor open window --------16 fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room !!

With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told himhow much they LOVED him.With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, 'Chief am I really a fireman now?'

'Billy, you are, and The Head Chief, God, is holding your hand,' the chief said.

With those words, Billy smiled and said, 'I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing.

'He closed his eyes one last time…