Policeman Answers Call from Crying Kid Who Says His Mother Is Gone

A 6-year-old boy, Sam, called 911 crying because his mom “went to heaven” and hadn’t returned. His dad had told him she flew there after being rushed out one morning, but Sam worried she was lost. Dispatcher John Lewis, hearing Sam’s despair, suggested sending red balloons with letters to guide her home. Sam tried, but got no reply. He called again; John calmed him and rallied cops to bring Sam balloons, boosting his hope. Sam’s dad secretly replied as his mom, planning to keep it up until Sam could face her death. Empathy from John and Sam’s keen senses shaped this touching tale.