Five-year-old celebrates his birthday by being a hero

BY PAM STEVENS | EDITOR Without thinking he saves his sister’s life When Benjamin Davis woke up on July 16, he was excited; his thoughts were on the presents and cake he would be getting in celebration of his fifth birthday that day.

With a brand new swimming pool filled with water and ready for his birthday party, Benjamin and his family knew that the day was going to be a memorable one. But they didn’t expect it to turn out the way it did.
Benjamin and his two-and-a-half year old sister Bethany, had quickly wandered outside without mom Heather knowing. When she looked out she saw that Bethany was in the pool, head first, and Benjamin was jumping in after her, fully clothed.

“I was inside the house and didn’t realize the kids had gone outside,” Heather said. “I saw that Bethany had fallen into the pool and Benjamin was already in the pool pulling her out.”

Heather ran outside and quickly grabbed both of her children asking Benjamin what had happened.

She was in her clothes, Benjamin explained to his mom. He saw her struggling and he said he couldn’t get her out. He could see that she couldn’t touch the ground and her head was touching the water.

“I just got her out, Sissy was trying to reach for the ball and she fell in and I just grabbed her,” Benjamin said. “I was afraid she was going to drown.”
Bethany was alright, only shivering from the cold.

Heather says that Bethany enjoys reenacting the scene for people and telling everyone exactly what happened to her.

That night at Benjamin’s birthday party, Heather shared the story of Benjamin’s heroism with family and friends. Everyone at the table was not only relieved that Bethany was safe but were impressed by this five-year-old’s act of love and bravery.

“Ben acted without hesitating when he thought he could help her and didn't wait for an adult to respond or direct,” John Whitten, Benjamin’s grandpa said.

“Benjamin is our hero,” Heather said. “I am still so amazed at the decision that he made.”

With the modesty of a five-year old, Benjamin tells his side of the story.
“She fell into the pool and then I took her out,” he said. “I love my baby sister. I am glad she is OK.”

After the story of heroism and a hearty, celebratory meal, Benjamin finally got to open his birthday presents.

“I got my Spiderman bat and ball and some transformers,” he said excitedly.

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