Bryce Brooks did not know Arthur Ashe. He could not have. Arthur Ashe died a bit more than thirty years ago. Bryce Brooks lived only sixteen years. In spite of having never made his acquaintance, young Mr. Brooks personified Mr. Ashe's definition of heroism.
An honor roll student at Maynard Jackson High School in Atlanta, Georgia, Bryce was on vacation with his family in Pensacola, Florida the first week of April. While relaxing on the beach with his family, he saw four teenagers - strangers to him - struggling in the Gulf of Mexico. He dived into the water to rescue them.
Bryce Brooks' heroism saved their lives. It cost him his life. His mother, Crystal, speaking of a son whose resemblance to Arthur Ashe went far beyond their alliterative names, said, "We're never gonna get to see Bryce grow up to be the full man that he was going to be. But, we know that he stepped into his manhood to save these children, and that makes me proud. It doesn't take away an ounce of pain, but it makes me proud of our son."
If there is a greater disturbance to the Universe's natural order than a parent outliving her child, then I am not aware of it. May it be a source of solace to the family of this young man that his life, which tragically lacked length, was a life of breadth and depth.
Perhaps, having not shared time and space in this life, these two extraordinary souls shall have the chance to get to know one another in the next one.
-AK
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