Policeman Answers Call from Crying Kid Who Says His Mother Is Gone — Story of the Day

Six-year-old Sam was devastated when his father told him his mother had “flown to heaven” after being rushed to the hospital. Confused, Sam waited for her return, but she never came. Worried, he called 911, reaching dispatcher John Lewis. Sam explained his mother was lost in heaven and hadn’t returned. Sensing his despair, John gently suggested writing monthly letters and sending them with red balloons to guide her home. Sam followed the advice, writing about his life and his father’s sadness, but received no reply. He called again, and

John encouraged him to continue. Later, John organized a police motorcade, each officer bringing a red balloon to cheer Sam. Inspired, Sam wrote another letter and received a reply—secretly written by his father, who vowed to keep responding until Sam could accept his mother’s death. John’s empathy and creative solution helped Sam cope with his grief.