Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in full.

Hero Teen Saves Brother Being Swept Away: ‘Mom…I Might Not Be Back

By

Andy Corbley

 

The Gamage boys – supplied

 

In New Zealand, a young boy has become the world’s youngest recipient of the Mountbatten Award after saving his younger brother from a treacherous stretch of coastal water last year.

The hero was Kalya Gamage, 14, who must have paralyzed his mother with fear when he saw his brother Kithmi being pulled out to sea by 3-meter waves and said to her, “OK, Mum, I’m going out. I might not be back.’’

12-year-old Kithmi was a good swimmer in his own right but couldn’t resist being ripped off his feet by several large waves that broke ashore on Chrystalls Beach in South Otago. Quickly tiring himself out trying to fight his way back to land, he was out around 60 meters (180 feet) treading water in a “notoriously dangerous” patch of coastal ocean where the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) notes “no one survives.”

Kalya jumped into the frigid water and had little difficulty reaching his brother but became nervous about whether he could reach the shore.

But he was relieved that they did, cold and tired but alive.

“Undoubtedly, Kalya’s brave response saved his brother’s life that day,” said the RLSS.

Kalya wants to start a business or be an engineer when he grows up but has spent time specifically improving his swimming skills. Those skills and the rescue they afforded won Kalya the 2022 Mountbatten Award, given to a single member of the whole British Commonwealth per year—over 2 billion people in 56 countries.

While his high school and even the Kiwi government expressed their pride at Kalya’s bravery and presence of mind, the greatest reward will, of course, be having his brother around for many decades to come. The good news here is a boy was saved because his brother thought quickly. Today’s JohnKu talks about saving others. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Someone Else by John W. Howell © 2023

We protect ourselves,

But the question still remains . . .

Would we protect others?

66 thoughts on “Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News”

    1. Thank you, Gwen. In today’s divided social environment the answer may not be as sure as it was in the past. I could see someone answering, “A Democrat? Sure.”

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  12. Absolutely wonderful story, John. It brough tears to my eyes, and I can only imagine what the mother felt watching this boy struggle to help his brother back to the shore. What an inspiration he is, and I’m convinced he’s going to be a very special person throughout his life. And thanks to him, his brother will be likely follow in his footsteps.

    Thank you for making my morning happier with this wonderful Fri-Yay story, and here’s to a great day, yourself!
    😊❤️😊

    Liked by 1 person

  13. The description makes it sound like a particularly dangerous bit of coast. Quite a story. So glad that mother had the chance to tell both boys ” don’t you ever do that again ! “

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  14. A hair-raising story. How lucky they both survived and the brother deserves the award for his bravery. And a solid scolding for both of them from the mother!

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  25. What a great story, John!

    I love happy endings which segue into happy beginnings.
    Your JohnKu is piquing.
    Most would want to protect others, but I think saving our own skin prevents many acts of heroism.
    Therefore, we recognize heroes, like Kalya.
    🐂🐂🐂🐂

    There is no emoji for oxen in super hero capes. Yet another emoji failure.

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  26. My goodness, so, so frightening. As a mom, I can imagine that mom in anguish that she might lose both her sons. But what a tragedy had the big brother not been there to save the younger. Whew! Great story to share, John. Thanks. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Wow to that presence of mind and that courage at such a young age. The kid has one hell of a future ahead of him and thanks to his heroics, so does his brother.

    Liked by 1 person

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