Posted: 10/11/06
ëShe is my heroí
 Susan Anderson is awarded for her actions on May 27, 2006 |
By Patrick Tepoorten
Susan Anderson expected to wake up early on May 27. Out of town with her father, Mark, on their traditional Memorial Day getaway, she thought she would be getting up early to go fishing. Instead, she was awakened around 5:30 a.m. to a thunderous explosion, surrounded by fire, and with only herself to rely on for survival.
The explosion, caused by a gas leak, had already seriously injured her father, who was thrown from the structure, but Susan didnít know that. What she did know was that she had to get out.
Placed in a life or death situation that might panic the most cool-headed adult, Susan relied on techniques she learned in school and from family members. She dropped down to her hands and knees and searched for a way out.
It would take three attempts and result in severe burns to her shins, hands, arms, buttocks, and torso, but she made it. Had she not gotten low, the extreme heat of the fire above her could have changed the end of the Susan Anderson story dramatically.
Instead, Susanís training and instincts combined to create an example of courage, determination, and perseverance that has inspired everyone graced to know her or her story. It wasnít just the story of her escape or her concern for dad that people gravitated to either. It was the cheery disposition and the patience of Job even while undergoing grafting that would require surgeons to use every piece of unburned skin on her body.
Susan and Markís recoveries have been a long painstaking process that is far from complete. But, now over four months removed from the tragic event, family can at least begin to see the end. Physical therapy sessions are being shortened, Susan has returned to school, and Mark is out and about. Were it not for the glimpses of pressure bandages, worn by both Mark and Susan to aid in the healing of skin grafts, a casual observer might never know the two almost lost their lives, or that their lives and the lives of family have been dominated with a very long and painful healing process.
For her actions in a situation most people only have nightmares about, it was quickly decided that, when she was well enough, the North Branch Fire Department would present her an award for her bravery and selfless actions on May 27. At the time of the announcement, it was anybodyís guess when Susan might be well enough to attend such a ceremony, but attend she did last Friday.
On that day Susan was her usual self. A bit overwhelmed by the attention, she stuck close to family, occasionally flipping those long bangs away from her eyes. Observers did note though, a beaming smile reserved for her father as he walked into the hall.
In front of a room packed with family, what appeared to be the entire North Branch Fire Department, and crawling with media, fireman Don Simons called it his ìgreat honorî to recognize Susan for her bravery.
Susan Anderson has been to hell and back. It wasnít that she was forced to make that journey, it is how she did it and how she continues to do it. A hero is defined as ìa person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose.î Last Friday, Simons called Susan a hero.
Five months ago, she was just a normal kid. Today she still appears a normal kid on the outside. But those who know her know the secret. Inside that tiny frame, underneath the grafts, the bandages, and behind those inquisitive eyes does indeed lie North Branchís littlest hero.
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