I took my 7-year-old son, who has Down syndrome and is battling leukemia, to see the ocean, because that was his greatest – and perhaps LAST – wish… But that evening, the hotel manager knocked on our door and said: “There is something about this trip that you do not know.”

Thomas smiled.

« That certainly looks like it. »

Liam remained silent.

Then he said:

« I want to see him at least once. »

I turned away so he wouldn’t see my tears.

I couldn’t afford such a trip.

Between hospital bills, medication, and daily expenses, I had hardly anything left at the end of every month.

But that evening my father gave me an envelope.

« Take him to the ocean. »

Inside, there was enough money for plane tickets and three nights in a hotel right on the beach.

“Dad… where does this money come from?”

He avoided my gaze.

Old savings.

Two weeks later, Liam and I were standing on the beach.

As soon as he saw the ocean, his whole face lit up.

He kicked off his shoes and laughed when the water touched his feet.

« Mom! It’s really not over yet! »

For the first time in many months, he was no longer a patient.