Dear Editor,
The six-year-old who died in the fire trying to save his brother’ s life was a hero. We know that he was from Georgetown. We don’t know what moved him to go back into a burning building to save a life but what we do know is that he died a hero. And maybe his act of courage, bravery and unselfishness will inspire, motivate and move us to be like him.
When I read about the fire at the Drop-In Centre, I was struck and amazed by the heroic actions of the six-year-old who went back into the burning house to save his two-year-old brother’s life.
And I was reminded of Jesus’s words when he said, “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend”. By going into the burning building, this child clearly demonstrated love by laying down his life for his brother. He is the youngest hero I have ever heard about in the world.
Editor, in a society plagued by materialism, corruption, cowardice, greed, self-centredness and selfishness, this child teaches to be less materialistic, selfish and more courageous. Where did he get the courage to go into a burning house? Where did he get the compassion from to try to save a life? Where did he learn to be so unselfish? Where did he learn to love so sacrificially? Where did he learn to care so much for his fellow human being?
Editor, what can he teach us adults about bravery? What can he teach us about the golden rule: Do unto others as you want them to do unto you? What can he teach us about loving our neighbours as ouselves? Can we be like him?
What a pity that we don’t have more people like this child in our society.
Yours faithfully,
Anthony Pantlitz
