In the face of Hurricane Harvey’s chaos, the plight of families with young children was particularly harrowing. Among the many poignant images that emerged from the disaster, one stands out: a man wades through knee-deep floodwaters, cradling a woman and her sleeping infant son against her chest. This touching moment was captured by photographer Louis DeLuca from the Dallas Morning News during the turmoil that engulfed Houston as Brays Bayou overflowed.
The hero in this heartwarming scene was Houston SWAT officer James Martino, who carried the mother, Lisa Johnson, and her 13-month-old baby, Noah, to safety. As floodwaters surged into their home, Lisa and her family had retreated to the second floor, hoping to wait it out. However, as the situation worsened, they realized they were trapped.
“We thought we could ride it out until morning, but the water just kept rising,” Lisa’s husband, Mark Johnson, recounted. In a desperate bid for help, he took his kayak through the flooded streets, drawn by the sounds of rescue teams. He soon encountered Martino and his team, who quickly sprang into action.
During the rescue, little Noah fell asleep, comforted by the warmth of his mother and the gentle sway of his surroundings. “With the wind blowing and being in his mom’s arms, he felt safe enough to drift off,” Mark shared, noting that the family’s anxiety had eased with help finally arriving.
Families across the Gulf region faced similar challenges as they sought safety from the relentless floods. Many reached out on social media, pleading for assistance while trapped alongside their little ones. Thankfully, the Johnsons were among the fortunate ones rescued.
Grateful for their safe escape, the Johnsons wish to express their heartfelt thanks to those who participated in the rescue efforts. Although they couldn’t get in touch with officer Martino directly, they hope to find a way to show their appreciation. “It’s difficult to find the right words to convey our gratitude for their bravery and willingness to risk their own lives,” Lisa said.
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In summary, the story of the Johnson family during Hurricane Harvey highlights the courage of first responders and the resilience of parents facing unimaginable circumstances. Their experience serves as a reminder of the strength found in community, even in the face of adversity.