“ In Phoenix , Arizona , a 26-year-old mother stared down at her 6 year old 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 dream 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 6 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 fire hat – 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 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 the 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 the 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 and extended its ladder up to Billy’s third floor open window ——–

16 fire-fighters 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, and The Head Chief, God, is holding your hand,’ the chief said. With those words, Billy smiled and said, ‘I know, He’s been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing.’ He closed his eyes one last time.

My instructions were to send this to at least four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Please pass this to at least four people you want to be blessed. This story is powerful and there is nothing attached. If you are a blogger, copy and paste this on your site for others to read as well…

PLEASE do not break this pattern; Uplifting stories are one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards, so let’s continue to uplift one another~

True Story (verified at Snopes.com)”

So much has been said about Corazon Aquino during her necrological service at the Manila Cathedral that made me cry. I do not know her personally and how she was described by family and friends, colleagues and alliances have given me a glimpse of how she is as a person.

Truly, she is a woman of strength and valor as shown by her sincere love for the country and her fellowmen. She is indeed worthy for the claim “Mother of Philippine Democracy”… Like Gabriella Silang who stood by her husband Diego Silang, Cory fought the battles even before she entered the political scene, in a different fashion. She was so unlike all the political leaders summed up to one because she not only stands for democracy but most importantly, she stood for “Love for Country” and “Freedom” in general… And not the drive to be in political power, as how most leaders are…In the early morning of Cory’s death, I received a text message from Mark Francisco, asking me what Cory’s legacy is… And I did not answer. I did not answer because I was awakened by such a news that, although it is already expected, is still shocking for me. Deeply, I thought about what I have learned from Cory, as a President, as a public figure, as a woman, as a mom, as a friend, as a wife— and so on and so forth… Until now I am still thinking how Cory has touched my life and what legacy she has left me… Then I realized, if not for Cory, I would not be an empowered woman living an empowered life. If not for Cory, I would not be able to live a life that is free. And although freedom is not absolute, still, I am thankful because I am able to fight for my rights and plan a future for my daughter, expecting nothing less than the life we are now enjoying…

Corazon Aquino is an inspiration for all women all over the world. She is a walking contradiction to the ill faced politics that our country is known for, and with that contradiction sprung hope, that women can change a country’s face, no matter how rugged and ugly it has become… That we women can do what we want to do for the good of our country and our fellow men… And most importantly, Cory has shown us that a bloodless revolution is better than a bloody one— With that, I think it is but right to say that Cory is “the epitome of hope, love and life”…

I would like to end this post with a song, my favorite song of all time… The song Jose Mari Chan arranged using the very words of Ninoy Aquino on the poem he wrote for her on their 19th Wedding Anniversary…

I have fallen in love

with the same woman three times;

In a day spanning 19 years

of tearful joys and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young,

enchanting and vibrant, eternally new.

She was brilliant, fragrant,

and cool as the morning dew.

I fell in love with her the second time;

when first she bore her child and mine

always by my side, the source of my strength,

helping to turn the tide.

But there were candles to burn

the world was my concern;

while our home was her domain.

and the people were mine

while the children were hers to maintain;

So it was in those eighteen years and a day.

’till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she’s our sole support;

source of comfort,

our wellspring of Hope.

on her shoulders felt the burden of Life.

I fell in love again,

with the same woman the third time.

Looming from the battle,

her courage will never fade

Amidst the hardships she has remained,

undaunted and unafraid.

she is calm and composed,

she is God’s lovely maid.

I ended up singing… Gosh, I forgot how wonderful it feels to be singing your heart out! wink.. wink..