“Always be joyful; never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God.” - - 1Thessalonians 5:16-17
Jodie stared down at her weak, dying son. Words could never describe her sadness; Leukemia would steal all her future dreams for him. She held Bobby’s frail little hand and asked, "Honey, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
"I always wanted to be a fireman!” he swiftly replied.
Jodie smiled warmly. “That’s a nice dream honey, you’d make an excellent one," she said fighting back tears, knowing the improbability of her words. Time was not on their side.
While Bobby rested, she went to her local fire department where she met Captain Frank. Jodie explained Bobby’s wish and asked if it might be possible for her six-year-old son to ride around the block on a fire engine.
Frank grinned. "We can do better than that. If you'll have him ready early Wednesday morning, we'll make him our Honorary Fire Chief for the whole day.” He added eagerly, “Bobby can hang out at the fire hall and go with us on any fire calls!”
There were no fire calls that day, but Bobby got to blast the horn, slide down the fire pole (like a gazillion times), and practice using a 75-pound hose. At day’s end, he received an official firefighter’s badge - his youthful wish fulfilled and a day he’d never forget. Living his dream so deeply touched Bobby that he lived months beyond his doctor’s prediction. But his condition gradually worsened until the night family members were summoned to his bedside.
Recalling the joy Bobby experienced that day as a fireman, Jodie called Captain Frank for one last favor. Without hesitation, Frank agreed, “We'll be there in five minutes. When you hear our sirens screaming and see the flashing lights, will you announce over the PA system that there’s no fire? It's just the city’s finest coming to honor one of our own!”
The Tiller truck arrived within minutes, extended its ladder up to Bobby's third floor hospital window and five firefighters raced up the ladder and into Bobby's room. They hugged him. They told him much they admired him. They told him how proud they were to serve with him.
Bobby gave a thumbs-up and said through a toothy grin, “Be safe . . . and thank you, Captain!” With those words, Bobby closed his eyes one last time, having been the Make-A-Wish Foundation's very first client.
Holy Dream Weaver, I don’t ask for a faith that would move mountains. Given enough time and dynamite, I could do that myself. No Lord, I pray for enough faith to move me! Amen.
