This Terminally Ill Boy Enjoying his Dying Wish Teaches Us a Powerful Lesson on Gratitude

Children are not supposed to die before their parents, and any time they do, it's an unimaginable tragedy. If you know you may lose that child though, fulfilling all their dreams can be a comfort.

Pablito was a a 10-year-old boy from Mexico who was diagnosed with leukaemia. His one lifelong dream was to see the ocean, but with two unsuccessful bone marrow transplants and the costs of treatment, it seemed like the day would never come. Pablito sadly passed away, but he did so with the memory of that wish being fulfilled.

This past spring, Panama Jack Resorts Cancun and Helping From The Heart made this little boy’s biggest dream a reality by granting him the trip he had dreamed about. From the moment Pablito arrived at the resort, the red carpet was (literally) rolled out to make him feel welcome as dozens of staff members showered Pablito and his family with gifts for his long-awaited visit to the beach.

Playa really tried to help Pablito's remaining time be the best possible by making his wish to see the ocean come true. The General Manager of Panama Jack Resorts Cancun said:  "We are always willing to surprise and help to those in need, whenever we have the opportunity to do so, and especially when it comes to kids. We apply the same thought process in our personal lives, as we do with all of our guests whom we want to surprise every day from our heart." 

It's heartwarming to see the magic unfold, especially Pablito’s euphoria when he chases the waves on the beach.

Rest in peace, Pablito. We can only hope there's lots of beautiful crashing waves waiting for you on the other side.

It's hard to look at a sad story like the death of a child and take something positive out of it, but there is a beautiful message in Pablito's story about appreciating all we have, and living life to the fullest.

How many of us pass the ocean every day on our drive to work or while running errands and don't take a minute to appreciate its beauty?

Maybe, in honor of Pablito, try to do that. Or, if not the ocean, find something beautiful in your life and renew your perspective and appreciation. It is there now, it may not always be there.

How we can help make a difference

If you want to help a terminally ill child, there are lots of resources out there. The Dream Factory grants dreams to children diagnosed with critical or chronic illnesses who are 3 through 18 years of age. There's also Special Spaces, who creates dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening medical illnesses. Another option is Kids of Courage, an all volunteer organization, dedicated to the support of sick children and their families, day and night.