Story of Utah Boy - Heartening And A Reminder

The triumphant story of the rescue of the 11 year old Utah Boy Scout, Brennan Hawkins, yesterday exemplifies the true spirit of community in our country. Even though less than a year has passed since losing his son to the same mountain, Kevin Bardsley joined the hundreds of volunteers anxiously looking for yet another of America’s missing children. This story unlike so many others though has a happy ending.

As fear and uncertainty gave way to exhaustive joy, it was discovered that Toby and Jody Hawkins, the boy’s parents, were somewhat reluctant contributors to the ordeal. It seems they had well instructed Brennan on the danger of strangers and it was this reluctance that enabled the boy to elude searchers.

Ironically, it was that strength of the community that ultimately gave no ground and brought Brennan home. Thankfully, there are tears of celebration in Utah today as this same community rejoices in a found member.

This story while completely unrelated to me does bring warmth to my heart. You see I also have been the recipient of the same type of community spirit. Twelve years ago today my wife and I lost everything we owned in a fire that destroyed our home. The loss was more than a mere possession though you see, since this home had been a homestead. This home was built by family hands over 100 years ago by my wife’s great-grandfather and his brothers and sons, taking over a month and a half to construct and in 49 minutes it was gone.

Then it happened. A community that I had lived in, although anonymously I thought, for twenty-four years suddenly showed up at my doorstep ready to do whatever it took to help my young family stand back up. It was community unlike I had ever witnessed before or since. Church parishes struggling to bring in enough to pay their own maintenance costs took up offertory for us; people who read about the fire in the newspaper showed up with shovel in hand and said what can I do? Businesses donated clothing, furniture, household items…and a crib, you see my wife was six months pregnant with my first daughter. It was by far the most inspiring show of love that most will ever get a chance to see and one in which I can tell you that I personally will never forget. One that I will not let the community forget. It was a testimony to the American spirit and must be remembered and repeated daily.