9 year old Kiefer boy gets his wish

A Kiefer boy had his dream come true, thanks to the generosity of Green Country. <br><br>Andrew Deeter didn't dream of a trip to Disney World or a motorcycle or a pony like most other nine year olds.

Tuesday, February 11th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A Kiefer boy had his dream come true, thanks to the generosity of Green Country.

Andrew Deeter didn't dream of a trip to Disney World or a motorcycle or a pony like most other nine year olds. He just wanted headstones for his parents' graves.

News on Six reporter Lori Fullbright was with Andrew Tuesday when he saw the stones for the first time. Andrew Deeter had never been to the cemetery to visit his parents or his brother since their deaths in 1998, until now.

Janette Tolbert, Andrew's aunt: "He didn't want to come out because he didn't know where they were buried at, didn't know where to look to see 'em and talk to 'em." Andrew's pregnant mother, his father and his baby brother all died in a house fire in March of 1998, a fire Andrew accidentally started by playing with matches.

Andrew survived, but has had more than a hundred surgeries because of his burns. It's troubled him that he didn't have a place to go to tell his parents what was in his heart. "That I love 'em and miss 'em." After our story aired, Benchmark Granite and Bronze donated the headstones and even let Andrew pick out the design he wanted.

Other people, including firefighters, raised hundreds of dollars to put the headstones in place and purchase a bench where Andrew could sit near his family. "It matters a lot 'cause I can come here and just sit here and talk to 'em."

Andrew says the hardest part is just trying to move on, but, says what's he's learned is that he can make a difference to others by sharing his story, and he wants to become a doctor to continue helping. His gratitude is heartfelt. "I'd like to thank them a lot." Janette Tolbert: "I really appreciate it. Thanks a whole lot. We couldn't have done it without them."

Despite his loneliness, his guilt, his sadness, Andrew says what he knows for sure, is the kindness of others outweighs the bad that he's known.

Special thanks goes to Floral Haven who donated more than we can mention, Benchmark Granite for the headstones and the folks from Sports Fanattic, Leadco and the many private citizens who donated to this project.