Boy Asks Officer To Hold His Hand Leaving Officer No Choice
A Life-Changing Event
James couldn’t believe what the kid had just said. He had just asked him to kneel down and pray with him. But why? What was going on in that young boy’s life? Still, James thought that he may get the answers later. He and the other officers linked their hands.
But as he heard what was the reason for the boy’s prayers, James’ heart skipped a beat. Then, he saw it: the kid had something in his hand. This was the first time that something like that had ever happened to him, and he didn’t know what to do.
James Vasquez
Public Domain
Every day, James Vasquez finished his shift with a feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction. He felt like he had done his share of good deeds for the world; and after he left his badge and his uniform on his rooms locker, everything felt alright.
He would change into his civilian clothes, go home to his wife, a nice dinner and a warm bed, and have some rest for the next day. It had been going on and on like that for years, and he was fine with it; until that one day.
Law Enforcement
YouTube – WRNR TV
James was born and raised in New Mexico; ever since he was a kid, he always dreamed of making it big and become a valuable and useful member of society. He didn’t just want to get a job that paid the bills; he wanted to make a contribution to the world and do something to turn it into a better place.
That’s why law enforcement was his calling from a very young age. And that flame didn’t fade out as he grew up; after he was done with highschool, he went straight into police training. But there was a reason for this, aside from his natural vocation to serve others.
Inspired By His Father
YouTube – WRNR TV
His father was one of the main reasons why he had become an officer. He was the most important person in his life and his greatest influence. He was named Carlos Vasquez, and he came from a long line of law enforcers. To James, his job was also a way to keep the family tradition alive and make his father proud of him.
Family was very important to James; and for this reason, he loved kids. Every time any domestic calls or anything regarding kids came up while on the job, he was the first one to respond. A big part of why he loved his job was to help children when they were in tough situations.
Wanting Kids Of His Own
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James also had one dream: to become a father himself. It was one of the things he wanted the most. There was nothing that would have made him happier than raising his own family. However, destiny had other plans for him.
No matter how hard James and his wife tried, they seemed to never be able to conceive a child. People told them to be patient, but unfortunately, it never happened. However, life would give James a chance to help a kid in a different way.
A Day Like Any Other
YouTube – WRNR TV
One Saturday morning, James woke up and put on his uniform, just like every day. He kissed his spouse goodbye before going out to join his partner in the police car. It was a cold morning, but it would get hotter soon.
The pair of officers started their daily routine, patrolling around the neighborhood, on the lookout for suspicious behavior, and waiting for someone to call-in. They were about to receive a call that would change James’ life forever.
Looking Forward To Lunch
YouTube – WRNR TV
After four hours of roaming around the area, James started to feel hungry. He talked to his partner, and they both agreed to have a short lunch break somewhere nearby.
Just like they used to, they stopped by one of the fast-food places that were scattered around the neighborhood. That was what they always did; there was no reason to stop in a fine restaurant, considering that they could receive a call asking for some help at any moment. That would be one of those days.
Strange Call
YouTube – WRNR TV
Suddenly, they received a call, and it seemed to be right in time; there was a kid in a restaurant nearby who needed some help. James suggested that they went over there to see what was going on.
His partner agreed, and they rushed to the restaurant. The kid was at a Chik-Fil-A; there was another officer with him, but why was there need for other two? They would soon find out. Sometimes, things are to messy and confusing for officers to convey the whole picture to each other over the radio.
Misinformation
YouTube – WRNR TV
A lot of times, when an officer receives a call, it comes with conflicting information about what’s really going on. It can be quite similar to game of broken telephone between the police officer, the operator, and the caller. James didn’t know what he should expect to find.
All James and his partner knew was that there was a boy in Chik-Fil-A who wanted to talk to them. That was enough. No matter what trouble may any kid be going through, James would always be glad to be of help. But what we found when he ended up getting there took him by surprise.
Getting There
YouTube – CNBC
A few minutes later, they arrived at the Chik-Fil-A in question. They parked their car and entered the restaurant. Right after walking in, he was struck by the image of a kid looking distressed in the company of another officer.
He walked toward them to ask the kid what was going on and see how he could help him. But when he listened to what the kid had to say, he couldn’t believe his ears.
Something In His Hands
YouTube – Kyle McDowell
James couldn’t believe what the kid had just said. He had just asked him to kneel down and pray with him. But why? What was going on in that young boy’s life? Still, James thought that he may get the answers later. He and the other officers linked their hands.
But as he heard what was the reason for the boy’s prayers, James’ heart skipped a beat. Then, he saw it: the kid had something in his hand. This was the first time that something like that had ever happened to him, and he didn’t know what to do.
Prayer For The Officers
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The little boy’s name was Henry, and he was praying for something that caught James completely off guard. He prayed for the safety and well-being of the officers. But surely there was more to it? Especially when James noticed what was in his hand.
Little Henry held a crucifix in his hand, just showing how serious he was about the officer’s safety. He prayed that they stay protected in the line of duty just as they protected others. James felt a tear in the corner of his eye.
A Wholesome Call
YouTube – WRNR TV
James was left scratching his head but soon realized the call had been set up by a fellow officer and friend. She was the other officer on the scene and wanted James to hear what the little boy had to say – knowing how he felt about children.
But it wasn’t over yet. James looked at his fellow officers with a confused grin. The experience was something he’d remember for years to come. But now that they drove all the way out there, they couldn’t just leave.
Good Lunch
YouTube – WFLA News Channel 8
James and his colleagues sat down at the Chik-Fil-A, deciding that it was best to eat their well-deserved lunch. James didn’t complain, being a big fan of the restaurant franchise. But he decided to do something else unexpected.
James invited little Henry and his father to come and join them to eat. He’d even pick up the tab. The little boy seemed inspired, just like he was when he grew up. It was no surprise then when he answered the officer’s question.
A Question
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Seeing the motivation in the little boy’s eyes, James asked the boy what he wanted to be when he grew up. His father didn’t seem pleased with his answer, though – he said, “I want to be just like you!”
James smiled at him and ruffled his hair. He told him that if it was because he wanted to make a difference in his community, then he would always find fulfillment. But that he should just be careful in his decision.
