They're words that honorary Ithaca Police Officer Colin Toland lives by and inspires others to live by.
"I actually think you should never give up on your dreams," Toland said.
The nine-year-old has spent much of his life battling brain cancer. A few weeks ago, Toland was on vacation with his family in California when a brain infection sent him back to intensive care.
He and his family returned home Thursday to a hero's welcome.
"It just put a huge smile on Colin's face. It made us feel like we were back home, and there's no place like home, is there Colin?" asked Colin's father, Ian Hayward.
But his treatment and recovery in California was not limited to the operating room. Toland met with the LAPD and the Orange Police Department while in recovery. He was made Orange's honorary police chief for a day and addressed the department's new recruits.
"It was Colin doing what Colin likes to do most," said Colin's mother, Tamiko Toland.
"We left our brothers in blue here, but then where they weren't able to be there in spirit, the police in California were there in person," Hayward said.
It's a big reason why many, including Colin's dad, say he is a hero so many people can look up to.
"Colin was fighting for everything, and you just witness a miracle," Hayward said.
Officer Colin will attend a St. Jude's Children's Hospital gala Saturday at the Oncenter in Syracuse.