I read an article in the South Lyon Michigan newspaper that made me choke back tears. The story is about a fifth grade Bartlett Elementary teacher, Ross Baker, who's smart thinking saved the life of a local family.

Here is the article

The student came to school sad and Mr. Baker inquired what was wrong. The student told Mr. Baker how his two birds had died. After thinking about it for a while, Mr. Baker thought it was odd that both birds would have died at the same time. He recalled something that he had learned about how miners would take birds into the mines, if the birds succumbed, there was not enough oxygen.

They contacted the child's mother and encouraged her to call and report a gas leak. The woman admitted to smelling gas in the home, had been suffering from headaches and nausea. Their bulldog had stopped eating about a week ago.

When the Consumers Energy technician walked into the house, his carbon monoxide detector immediately went off. He told the mother that they likely would have been dead within a week. The furnace had malfunctioned and was causing a gas leak.

I am moved by this story because of what could have happened. I think it is wonderful that this teacher cared enough to let the story of the birds "keep bothering" him. He couldn't shake it from his mind. But then to take the next step and TAKE ACTION is where he becomes a HERO. He wasn't afraid of looking silly or being wrong, he took action and saved this family's lives.

I wanted to share the story to inspire others to take action, even if you are not sure - you could save a life.