People in the world possess a remarkable amount of compassion. We each have compassion in some way or another, and it is usually most apparent when others are struggling or experiencing different crises.
The compassion people possess was glaringly obvious after the tragic events of Sept. 11, and more recently last week in Hunt County.
During the night on Jan. 21, a family in Wills Point lost their home and all of their belongings, due to a fire caused by a space heater.
Shirley Melton, Photo Center department manager at the Greenville Wal-Mart, was alerted to the fire by her 5-year-old son, Cody McNeese. Cody was trying to wake his brother Dustin, 3, and get him out of the home.
Cody and Dustin were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. Dustin had a small burn on his hand, and Cody’s burns were on his hands, back and face, the most severe being on his hands.
In learning of the fire, many people have since credited Cody with saving his brother’s life and the outpouring of support from the people of Hunt County has been astounding.
Employees of the Greenville Wal-Mart have reached out to help the family in whatever way they could, and people from nearby communities also helped in many ways.
Many have offered to donate pieces of furniture to the family, in addition to people dontating vast amounts of clothes for Cody and Dustin.
FOX 4/KDFW in Dallas interviewed the family and pointed out the dangers of having space heaters in homes.
In the interview, Cody talked about how he wanted to get Dustin out, so he didn’t get burned.
It has been an emotional week for Melton, who is surprised about the outpouring of support the community has shown to her family. Perhaps what has surprised her the most is how generous people have been in helping the family with buying clothes.
Upon learning of the fire, many media outlets covered the story. Among them were newspapers from the metroplex area, as well as the Greenville Herald Banner.
The next few months will be difficult for the family, but with each passing day, things will slowly get better.
Getting burned by flames hurts immensely, but for a 5-year-old to get burnt, and still act so couragously, Cody acted much older than his age belies.
A benefit account has been set up in Cody and Dustin’s name at American National Bank, and anyone wishing to donate can do so.
If people would like to donate items, they can be dropped off at the Photo Center in the Greenville Wal-Mart, and will be given to Melton and her sons by her co-workers.