My Dying Son’s Final Wish Was to Meet His Favorite Firefighters – But When We Arrived, the Captain Removed His Helmet and Said, ‘Ma’am, Before Your Son Comes Inside, There’s Something You Need to Know’

in reflective lettering. He was older than the rest, maybe mid-fifties, with a graying beard and eyes that held mine longer than a stranger’s should.

“You must be Nick,” he said, kneeling. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

“Are you the captain?”

“I am. Captain Ellis.” He glanced up at me, and something in that glance made my chest go tight. “Nick, would you continue reading …