First, watch this. Then bear in mind that the video documents the portion of the Queensland flooding that people can record from a safe distance. The rest of the Australian province? Not so lucky.
Okay. Now imagine you’re a 13-year-old boy stuck in a car with your mom and 10-year-old brother.
That was the predicament of Jordan Rice, the boy now hailed as the “hero” of the still ongoing Queensland catastrophe. While stranded on the roof of a car with his mother and brother in a raging flood, he told their lone rescuer to “save my brother first.”
The rescuer pulled the younger Blake free, but before getting the chance to return for the other two, they were swept away from the current.
Here’s Mr. Tyson, describing his son:
He was very quiet, the exact opposite to all the others. He’d wear purple-and-chrome boots and red skinny jeans and one of those real sad penguin golf shirts.
He won’t go down with any fanfare or anything like that—I don’t think anyone will even wear a black armband for him—but he’s just the champion of all champions, a family hero.
We’re not so sure about the lack of public fanfare, Mr. Tyson. It’s the least we can do.
wow. im only 12 and i have a 4 year old brother. after reading this it makes me wonder if i would do the same. i love my brother to death and sure everybody says they would die for someone but to do it makes you a real hero
Oh my gosh. Reading this gave me goosebumps. What a wise little man. And a brave one. I often wonder what I would do in situations like this. Am I heroic and courageous? I suppose we only really find out when we’re put to the ultimate test. What a terrible decision to have to make at such a young age.
I cried when I read this. Probably cause I have a younger brother that age and I would give my life up to save him in a heartbeat…that little boy is a true hero. May he rest in peace.
Do they have Saints in Australia, if not, I think they just appointed one!
What an absolute hero… may he rest in peace. And may that fortunate younger brother fulfill all his hopes and dreams in life to make the sacrifice worthwhile.