Six-year-old Sam was heartbroken when his father told him his mother had “flown to heaven” and wouldn’t be coming home. Confused and worried, Sam waited for days, hoping she would return. Unable to get answers from his grieving father, Sam called 911, telling dispatcher John Lewis he feared his mom was lost in heaven. Moved by the boy’s innocence, Lewis gently suggested that Sam write letters and send them with red balloons to help his mom find her way home.

Sam took the advice to heart, sending a letter each month — but got no response. After his second call, the dispatcher contacted local officers, teachers, and Sam’s father.