Six-year-old Sam was confused when his mom didn’t come home. His dad gently said she had “flown to heaven,”
but to Sam, that sounded like a trip. After days of waiting and seeing his dad cry whenever asked, Sam decided to call 911 for help.
Dispatcher John Lewis answered as Sam tearfully explained, “My mom hasn’t come home. Dad says she went to heaven,
but I think she’s lost.” Moved by the boy’s innocence, John couldn’t tell him the full truth. Instead, he gently
suggested Sam write letters to his mom and send them on red balloons so she could see them from heaven.
Every month, Sam released a red balloon with a letter—telling his mom how much he missed her, how sad his dad was,
and how the house felt different. One day, he received a reply: “I love you so much, Sam.” His face lit up with joy.
Unbeknownst to Sam, the letter came from his dad, with help from John and other officers, hoping to comfort him until he was ready
for the truth. Their small act of kindness didn’t erase the pain, but it brought healing—showing how love and compassion can guide a grieving heart.
