Tom Vander Woude, a devoted father, Navy veteran, and airline pilot, is a hero beyond measure.  He and his wife, Mary Ellen, raised seven sons, including their youngest Joseph,  also known as “Josie”, who had Down syndrome.

While preparing to winterize the above-ground pool with Josie on September 8, 2008, Tom realized something was very wrong. Josie was not in sight, and neither was the metal that normally covered the septic tank. The lid, which had been covering the 2×2 top opening to the large tank, had given way, and Josie had fallen in.

The tank was 7 feet deep, and Josie was struggling below in the sewage. Tom hollered to a man working at the house that day, instructing him to tell Mary Ellen to call 911. Tom knew that unless he acted quickly, his son would either die from lack of oxygen due to the toxic gases in the tank or would drown in the muck. Then he did what every father hopes they would do in that situation: he jumped in.

Once in the septic tank, Tom tried to lift Josie out with the help of the workman, who was pulling from above. The methane and other deadly gases were strong, with almost no fresh air to breathe below the opening.

Tom yelled to the workman helping, “You pull, and I’ll push.” After his last words, Tom got under Josie to lift him and passed out from gases, sinking below. Somehow, Tom was able to keep Josie propped up while help was on the way.

When Tom’s wife arrived after calling 911, all she could do was help the workman hold Josie up with a strap under his arms, knowing that her husband, her partner in God’s plan, lay below giving his life to save their son.

When the paramedics arrived, they immediately pulled Josie out and began treating him. They then pulled the lifeless body of Tom out, but despite their attempts, God had already called Tom to Himself.

Tom had died while freely and lovingly giving up his life so that his son could live.

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If Tom’s story inspires you as much as it does me, please visit the Tom Vander Woude Guild to learn more. You can also watch and share this short 6-minute film about Tom’s sacrifice and the work underway to advance the cause of Tom Vander Woude's canonization.

(Story adapted from the Tom Vander Woude Guild)