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 & 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,Jesus, 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 beenSinging..'  He closed his eyes one last time.

A giant ship engine failed. The ship's owners tried one expert after another, but none of them could figure but how to fix the engine.

Life's Like that...

your eyes show the strength of your soul !!

Why mother is so special:

When I came home in the rain,

Brother asked why didn't you take an umbrella.

Sister advised, Why didn't you wait till rain stopped.

Father angrily warned, only after getting cold, you will  realize.

But Mother, while drying my hair, said, stupid rain!

Couldn't it wait,

Till  my child came home?

 That's  MOM

My wife called, 'How long will you be with that newspaper? Will you come here & make your darling daughter eat her food?’

I tossed the paper away & rushed to the scene.
My only daughter, Sindu, looked frightened; tears were welling up in her eyes. In front of her was a bowl filled to its brim with curd rice.
Sindu is a nice child, quite intelligent for her age.

I cleared my throat & picked up the bowl. 'Sindu darling, why don't you take a few mouthful of this curd rice? Just for Dad's sake dear.
Sindu softened a bit & wiped her tears with the back of her hands. 'Ok, Dad.. I will eat - not just a few mouthfuls, but the whole lot of this.
But, you should...' Sindu hesitated. 'Dad, if I eat this entire curd rice, will you give me whatever I ask for?'

'Promise'. I covered the pink soft hand extended by my daughter with mine, & clinched the deal. Now I became a bit anxious.

'Sindu, dear, you shouldn't insist on getting a computer or any such expensive items. Dad does not have that kind of money right now. Ok?'
'No, Dad. I do not want anything expensive'. Slowly & painfully, she finished eating the whole quantity. I was silently angry with my wife & my mother for forcing my child to eat something that she detested.

After the ordeal was through, Sindu came to me with her eyes wide with expectation. All our attention was on her.

'Dad, I want to have my head shaved off, this Sunday!' was her demand.

'Atrocious!' shouted my wife, 'A girl child having her head shaved off?
Impossible!' 'Never in our family!' My mother rasped. 'She has been watching too much of TV. Our culture is getting totally spoiled with this TV programs!'

'Sindu, darling, why don't you ask for something else? We’ll be sad seeing you with a clean-shaven head.' 'Please, Sindu, why don't you try to understand our feelings?' I tried to plead with her.

'Dad, you saw how difficult it was for me to eat that Curd Rice'. Sindu was in tears. '& you promised to grant me whatever I ask for.
Now, you are going back on your words. Was it not you who told me the story of King Harishchandra, its moral that we should honor our promises no matter what?'

It was time for me to call the shots. 'Our promise must be kept.' 'Are you out of your mind?' chorused my mother & wife. 'No. If we go back on our promises, she will never learn to honour her own. Sindu, your wish will be fulfilled.'

With her head clean-shaven, Sindu had a round-face & her eyes looked big & beautiful.
On Monday morning, I dropped her at her school. It was a sight to watch my hairless Sindu walking towards her classroom. She turned around & waved.

I waved back with a smile. Just then, a boy alighted from a car & shouted, 'Sinduja, please wait for me!'

What struck me was the hairless head of that boy. 'May be, that is the in-stuff', I thought.

'Sir, your daughter Sinduja is great indeed!' Without introducing herself, a lady got out of the car, & continued, 'that boy who is walking along with your daughter is my son Harish. He is suffering from... leukemia'.

She paused to muffle her sobs. 'Harish could not attend the school for the whole of the last month. He lost all his hair due to the side effects of the chemotherapy. He refused to come back to school fearing the unintentional but cruel teasing of the schoolmates. Sinduja visited him last week & promised him that she will take care of the teasing issue.

But, I never imagined she would sacrifice her lovely hair for the sake of my son!
Sir, you & your wife are blessed to have such a noble soul as your daughter..'

I stood transfixed & then, I wept. 'My little Angel, you are teaching me how selfless real love is!'


“The happiest people are not those who live on their own terms…………but are those who change their terms for the ones whom

Secret Ears

“Can I see my baby?” the happy new mother asked. When the bundle was nestled in her arms and she moved the fold of cloth to look upon his tiny face, she gasped.

The doctor turned quickly and looked out the tall hospital window. The baby had been born without ears.

Time proved that the baby’s hearing was perfect. It was only his appearance that was marred.

When he rushed home from school one day and flung himself into his mother’s arms, she sighed, knowing that his life was to be a succession of heartbreaks.

He blurted out the tragedy. “A boy, a big boy… called me a freak.”

He grew up, handsome for his misfortune. A favorite with his fellow students, he might have been class president, but for that. He developed a gift, a talent for literature and music.

“But, you might mingle with other young people,” his mother reproved him, but felt a kindness in her heart.

The boy’s father had a session with the family physician. Could nothing be done?

“I believe I could graft on a pair of outer ears, if they could be procured,” the doctor decided.

Whereupon, the search began for a person who would make such a sacrifice for a young man. Two years went by.

Then his father said, “You are going to the hospital, son. Mother and I have someone who will donate the ears you need. But, it’s a secret who it is.”

The operation was a brilliant success, and a new person emerged. His talents blossomed into genius, and school and college became a series of triumphs. Later, he married and entered the diplomatic service.

“But, I must know!” He urged his father, “Who gave so much for me? I could never do enough for him.”

“I do not believe you could,” said the father, “but, the agreement was that you are not to know… not yet.”

The years kept their profound secret, but the day did come. It was one of the darkest days that ever pass through a son. He stood with his father over his mother’s casket. Slowly, tenderly, the father stretched forth a hand and raised the thick, reddish-brown hair to reveal that the mother had no outer ears.

“Mother said she was glad she never let her hair be cut,” he whispered gently, “and nobody ever thought mother less beautiful, did they?”

Real beauty lies not in the physical appearance, but in the heart. Real treasure lies not in what can be seen, but in what cannot be seen. Real love lies not in what is done and known, but in what is done and not known.

       THE PUPPY IS DEAD

       Rahul was rushing to finish his work. He had been waiting for this day for a long time. The day that he had yearned for has finally arrived.
       He had made all his plans a month back. He had stayed two days overnight to finish off his work. His project mates could see happiness radiating in his face. They could not understand the real reason though as they had seen him slog the entire week.

       He re-checked his wallet to confirm if the flight ticket was there. Then he checked the date and travel time for nth time again. Everything had gone as planned. He had completed his deliverable and the project was due for release the next day.

       He left a note to his Manger and started off rushing to the airport.
       On the way to the airport he made a call to her. The only other person on earth who knew what he was up to.
       "Mama, Rahul here. Everything's fine. I am on my way to the airport. Will call you tomorrow. Take care Bye".

       ************************************************************************

       "Rahul, a call for you" yelled Bharath. Rahul was busy trying to fix an open issue. "Hey buddy. Can you take down the name of the person and tell that I'll call them after an hour", replied Rahul.
       "But it seems the person wants to get some information and its urgent" said Bharath.
       Rahul picked up the phone. "Hello this is Anjali here. Sorry to disturb you Rahul. I am in AFA project and I need some help from you".
       Rahul was mesmerized by her voice. It's the same familiar voice that he had heard numerous times. "Rahul! Are you there?" queried Anjali.
       "Yes. Tell me Anjali. What can I do for you?" replied Rahul.
       "Hey buddy not coming for lunch?" called out Bharath. Rahul had been explaining her and this call made him realize that 2 hrs had passed by.

       ************************************************************************
       It has just been a couple of months. But her thought seemed to have evaded both Rahul's heart and his work. He had not been through this before and hence found it very strange.
       "What's her name?" his mom asked Rahul casually while serving dinner.
       He was taken aback by this question.
       "I can't get you ma." he replied.
       "I know you beta. I can notice the difference in you. You need not tell me if you wish not to"
       "Ma. I don't know what is happening to me. I've started liking her I suppose," he told his mom.
       The taxi came to a screeching halt outside the airport. Rahul got back to his senses.

       ************************************************************************
       He boarded his flight to Pune. As the flight took off his thoughts drifted towards her. He imagined her cuddled up in his arms. Her beautiful voice, echoed in his ears. All those pleasant memories and sweet nothing conversations rushed up in his mind.
       Anjali: You're amazing. I can't believe that a person can have so much knowledge and yet be so humble
       Rahul: That's very flattering. I think the same applies to you too.
       Anjali: Me??
       Rahul: I know that you had won the inter-corporate light music competition. Your voice is so beautiful. I admire your voice. It's a pleasure to work with you ma'am
       Anjali: Thanks Rahul. How do you know that? Do you sing too?
       Rahul: Not unless I want an Jevacuation in my area.
       Anjali: Giggling... So you just listen and enjoy is it?
       Rahul: Yeah! I don't sing but... (It can wait a little longer. I'll tell her when I meet her) Yes! For we people are not blessed with the talent that you have. All we can do is admire.
       "We'll be landing in another 5 minutes" announced the flight attendant and this call got Rahul back to the present.

       ************************************************************************
       Mithun: Dude! How was your journey?
       Rahul: Fine buddy.
       Mithun: Will you at least tell me now, the purpose of this trip?
       Rahul: Just wait for another day dude. The secret would be out. By the way did you get me what I had asked for?
       Mithun: Yes. Here! Have it. But you could have brought your own guitar. Why did you ask for a new one?
       Rahul: It's getting late dude. Let's move. I'll answer all your questions tomorrow.
       With a friendly hug both of them parted outside the airport.

       ************************************************************************



       Rahul displayed his ID card to the security person outside his office and rushed to the 10th floor of the building. He silently slipped into the work area. His eyes were frantically searching for her.

       Finally his eyes fell upon the object of his search. His Love. She was dressed in a beautiful blue and white chudithar and her loosely coiled hair fell upon her shoulder. Rahul was dumbstruck. He felt an impulse to rush and hug her and kiss her on her cheeks. Controlling himself he sheepishly moved into the cubicle just behind hers.


       Mahesh who had just spotted Rahul almost yelled his name. Rahul jumped across and firmly held his hands across Mahesh's mouth. Rahul had moved with such pace that he almost toppled Mahesh from his chair.
       He hissed at Mahesh and asked him to remain silent. Rahul's voice was almost a whisper.

       Rahul: Shhhh! I need help from you dude. No questions please. I need your PC for another 15 minutes. Take a break and be back and I can explain everything.
       Mahesh: But! I have an urgent work to...
       Rahul: Please dude! Just 15 mins.
       Mahesh: Rahul had helped him a lot and he could not say a 'No' to Rahul. He silently left the place half curious and half puzzled. While all this happened, Anjali and her friends had settled in their cubicle. There seemed a buzz around the entire place.
       He slowly placed the guitar at the desk and logged into Mahesh's pc. "The game starts now" he thought to himself.

       ************************************************************************
       He logged into the messenger with his id and pinged her.

       Rahul: Hi! Anjali!
       Anjali: Hello! Good Afternoon. What's up weirdo? (Rahul could hear her giggling in her cubicle as she typed in the reply)
       Rahul: Nothing. Just relieved and happy that my project is finally going for a release tom J
       Anjali: Wow! Treat! You had worked very hard and I am sure it would be a big success.
       Rahul: Yeah! I am hoping the same. So how's your work going along?
       Anjali: Not great yaar! Stuck up with coding for one of the screens.
       Rahul: How about a cup of coffee?
       Anjali: Coffee? Have you come here to Pune?
       Rahul: Nope. (He put in a coffee cup symbol over the messenger and chuckled while doing so).
       Anjali: Hey weirdo! Can you help me out in fixing up the error if you aren't too busy?
       Rahul: Sure! Tell me the screen where you've got stuck up.

       ************************************************************************
       Rahul got up slightly and saw Pooja and Lavanya entering Anjali's cube. He immediately ducked down and slid himself in his chair.
       "Hey Anju! Common! Wind up your work fast. It's your b'day today and we had planned to leave early today" uttered Pooja.
       "Yeah! I also don't feel like working today. But I am stuck up in a screen" replied Anjali.

       Rahul: Hello! Will you tell me the place or screen pls...(pinged Anju in msgr)

       "So what's the puppy saying? Wagging its tail? Huh" asked Pooja.

       "Must be waiting for the biscuits I suppose," told Lavanya as she joined the conversation.
       Just as Lavanya said this all three broke into a loud laughter.
       Rahul was puzzled by this conversation and could not decipher what they were talking about.

       "So what are you waiting for when you have the pup at your disposal. An intelligent pup, I must say. Just ask him to code the screen for you" told Pooja.
       "Yeah! Throw him two additional smilies in the messenger and he would be happy to do the entire coding for you" added Lavanya.
       Rahul could not believe what he was hearing.

       Anjali: Hey weirdo! I am not feeling well today.Can you do the coding for the Balance Screen alone?
       Rahul's hands were trembling and he was too shocked to reply.
       Rahul: Just a min. (he forced himself to reply)
       Anjali: Please dear! I have a doctor's appointment today and need to leave early.
       "Here goes the second biscuit," told Pooja as she laughed.

       Rahul was in a state of complete disbelief. Tears started rolling down his eyes. It seemed to him as if the entire world was spinning.
       "Wish I had one pup too. Can you check if the pup can help with my work too" told Lavanya and the three broke into laughter again.
       Rahul was sobbing now with tears all over his cheeks. He still could not believe what was happening.

       "The pup seems a little reluctant today. Guess he needs more cajoling today" told Anjali.
       And this statement seemed to be the final nail on his coffin. He grunted in agony and pain.
       "The puppy is dead' he typed into the messenger window and silently slipped out of the place.

       ************************************************************************
       He seemed to be caught in a sea of emotions and he didn't even notice Mahesh who was returning back with a cup of coffee. He took the elevator to the terrace.
       Anjali finally saw the reply on the messenger window and was puzzled. She pulled the other two and showed them the reply.
       "But how could he have known? Had he been here?" questioned Pooja.
       "He actually asked me over for a cup of coffee initially but then put up a coffee mug icon over the msgr" replied Anjali.

       Just as they were pondering, Mahesh entered his cubicle. He saw the guitar placed over his desk with a rose stuck between the strings and a card by its side.
       Just as he slipped open the card, a faint musical note "Happy Birthday to you" resonated from within. This caught the attention of Anjali and others as they turned back and moved into Mahesh's cubicle.

       "To Anjali!
       Wishing you many more happy returns of the day!
       With Love
       Rahul" read the card.

       Mahesh passed over the card to Anjali!
       She slipped open the card, and was dumbstruck not knowing what to do next. The faint b'day note was playing in the background.
       Mahesh now got a grip of the situation but couldn't still understand why Rahul left abruptly.

       Rahul was crying over aloud in the terrace punching the wall with his fists. He never expected this to happen. He had decided to tell his love for her today and he was a bit apprehensive over her response.
       What hurt him more was the way she had considered him. As a mere utilizable commodity! "The puppy is dead! Its dead" he shouted as he kept landing punches on the wall. His knuckles were swollen and a taint of blood appeared over them.

       His mobile rang all of a sudden. He was in no mood to talk to anyone. As he pulled up the mobile from his pocket he saw that it was his mother calling.
       He slowly pressed the answer button.
       "Beta! How are you? What happened?" uttered his mother.
       He wanted to tell her all that happened and for a moment wished that she were by his side. But words failed to come out from his mouth and it seemed as if a lump was stuck in his throat.
       There was a long silence and he finally managed to speak. "I am fine ma" he replied.

       "It wasn't your fault beta!" she told as if reading his mind.
       "You loved her from the core of your heart. If she didn't like you, it's her who's missing a wonderful person. It does hurt and I can understand. But remember that you have a person who is missing you a lot. Please come back home tonight for dinner" saying this she ended the call.

       Her words comforted him and he felt a lot better. He wiped down his tears and kept staring at the heaven. Just then he received another call. It was Anjali calling.
       He wanted to smash the mobile against the wall and his blood was surging with anger. He controlled his emotions and pressed the answer button.
       "I am really sorry Rahul! It was all meant to be fun and I never wanted to hurt you." she said.
       "The little pup loved you from all its heart. But it's dead and buried now! Goodbye." saying this he ended the call.

       Anjali tried calling Rahul again but he didn't attend the call. He switched off his mobile as he took the elevator to ground floor. He checked out of office and boarded a taxi to the airport.


 

This is not only a story but a lesson too…enjoy 
Each Friday night after work, Bubbal Singh would fire up his outdoor grill and cook a tandoori chicken and some meat kebabs. 
But, all of Bubbal's neighbors were strict Catholics ... and since it was Lent, they were forbidden from eating chicken and meat on a Friday.

The delicious aroma from the grilled meats was causing such a problem for the Catholic faithful that they finally talked to their Priest. 
The Priest came to visit Bubbal, and suggested that he become a Catholic.
After several classes and much study, Bubbal attended Mass... And as the priest sprinkled holy water over him,
he said, ''You  were born a Sikh, and raised a Sikh, but now, you are a Catholic."

Bubbal's neighbors were greatly relieved, until Friday night arrived,  and the wonderful aroma of tandoori chicken and meat kebabs filled the neighborhood. 
The Priest was called immediately by the neighbors, and, as he rushed into Bubbal's backyard, clutching a rosary and prepared to scold him,
he stopped and watched in amazement.

There stood Bubbal, clutching a small bottle of holy water which he carefully sprinkled over the grilling meats and chanted:
"Oye, you waz born a chicken, and you waz born a lamb, you waz raised a chicken, and you waz raised a lamb but now yara, you are a potato and tomato"
 

 
SCATTERED PAPERS…
 
Once upon a time an old man spread rumors that his neighbour was a thief. As a result, the young man was arrested. Days later the young man was proved innocent.. After having been released he sued the old man for wrongly accusing him.
 
In court the old man told the Judge: 'They were just comments, didn't harm anyone..'
 
The judge, before passing sentence on the case, told the old man: 'Write all the things you said about him on a piece of paper. Cut them up and on the way home, throw the pieces of paper out. Tomorrow, come back to hear the sentence.'
 
The next day, the judge told the old man: 'Before receiving the sentence, you will have to go out and gather all the pieces of paper that you threw out yesterday.'
The old man said: 'I can't do that! The wind spread them and I won't know where to find them.'  
 
The judge then replied: 'The same way, simple comments may destroy the honor of a man to such an extent that one is not able to fix it. If you can't speak well of someone, rather don't say anything. ‘
 
'Let's all be masters of our mouths, so that we won't be slaves of our words.
||||
 
( o o )
 
--ooO--(_)--Ooo—
 

Chairman of Green Hope, Sandeep Naik said,”Last year we planted 1, 00,000 trees and ensured 75% survival rates. This year, we have doubled the target. We will continue to plant trees till every square in of open space is greened.” He invited one and all to come and collect plant s of their choice for the purpose of planting.