|
ANGELS IN ACTION!
On this page, you will find examples of the word "LOVE" being used, as I believe it should, as an "ACTION." The people in these examples and stories are the type of individuals who do not require or wish any praise for what they do - but, because I very much appreciate their positive contributions in this world, I want to let others know of them as inspirations to us all. I give thanks to them and to God for those who really are making life a little better for someone!
Forgive my pride for starting this page with my son, daughter-in-law, daughter, and granddaughter..
Camp John Mark now has several summer-camp programs for children with critical illnesses, one of which was originated by Vicki. Vicki continues to support and actively participate in the programs of the Camp, along with my daughter-in-law, Andria, who has the singing voice of an angel - my granddaughter, Carissa, who is an angel - and my son, John (Jaytee), who volunteers both his personal and business services. Their contributions are made because of their commitment to serve and their love of children. They manifest their love with action. I love them very much.
|
|
Two years ago, I lost my most precious life partner and, out of the devastation, appeared two angels - Suzy and Kenda. When all others disappeared, these two continued to contribute their time to help me with tasks I could not handle - calling to see how I was doing - sitting with me while I cried. I know they are very busy with their own lives, but, to this day, they remain a part of my life. I will never be able to thank them and they will probably never know how precious they are to me.
THE LITTLEST FIREMAN
The 26-year-old mother stared down at her son, who was dying of terminal leukemia. Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams. Now, that was no longer possible. The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dreams to come true.
She took her son's hand and asked, "Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to 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 to give her six-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 your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And, if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real firehat - not a toy one - with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots. They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix, so we can get them fast."
Three days later, Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his fire uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook-and-ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven. There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on 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 a local news program.
Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible. One night, all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital. Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition.
The chief replied, "We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire? It's just the fire department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room?"
About five minutes later a hook-and-ladder truck arrived at the hospital, extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window and 16 firefighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room. With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how 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," the chief said. With those words, Billy smiled and closed his eyes one last time.
A SALUTE TO....
