I want to share with you a story of a little hero named Aldo Rubio. He was a happy, loving, and honest little seven year old. On Thursday night, he was playing with three of his friends across the street from his house. They found a hole in the chain-linked fence leading to the canal and being curious little boys, they decided to explore. One of the boys (11 years old) fell into the canal. With bravery and selflessness, Aldo jumped in the deep canal to help his friend to safety and in doing so, Aldo was pulled further into the cold waters. There’s nothing to grab onto in the swift deep waters of the canal, so sadly, Aldo was swept away leaving his friends powerless and running for help. A man driving by saw that one of the boys running was soaking wet & frantic and asked what happened and then immediately called 911 for help. Rescuers, firefighters, and helicopter teams searched for Aldo in the cold murky waters and sadly discovered his lifeless body 12 hours later, 60 yards from where the boys fell in. My heart breaks today. He was in my son’s class at school and I had the joy of seeing him each week when I volunteered in his classroom. My interactions with him were always sweet and warm, he always made me laugh or smile over his gentle and sincere words. I enjoyed the time I got to spend with him – helping him with his reading words, exploring books to add to his ‘reading book bag’, and playfully greeting him in the mornings. He was always happy and that was infectious to everyone around him.
Tyler doesn’t understand the impact of what has happened to his friend yet. We were out of town when I spoke to the School Nurse and received the devastating news. Security, police and trauma counselors are at his school to help the children and teachers with their grief. Tyler doesn’t want to talk about it and still thinks that Aldo will be at school on Monday and they’ll play. He’s in denial and I feel helpless. Monday will be difficult when he sees Aldo’s empty place at the table in their classroom. I know heaven needed Aldo and he’s in the loving arms of God, but he is missed so much here. He’s a young hero, so courageous and altruistic. He’s watching over his family, friends and classmates each day and that brings us comfort. He will live in our hearts and will never be forgotten.
Aldo’s family needs our prayers right now. I can’t imagine how they feel with what they are going through. An account to pay for Aldo’s funeral has been established at Bank of America. Anyone wishing to donate should ask for the Positive Impact Inc. account. under Aldo Rubio at any Bank of America Branch. This time of year it especially hard to deal with such loss, so any amount will be appreciated. Thank you.
20 Comments
Wow. That’s just so sad. As a mother, I feel the pain. I hope Tyler can face it and understand in the near future. Children shouldn’t have to deal with things like death yet. Thinking of you all.
oh this just breaks my heart and brings tears to my eyes. YOu shared a special story and such kind words that i’m sure his family will appreciate and find comfort in!
Praying for his family and classmates. So sad
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Things brings tears to my eyes…so very devastating…no parent should have to feel this type of pain.
Kara, your words describing Aldo are so beautiful in essence of who he was. Thank you for being the kind, loving person you are to take such thoughtfulness and time to post this as a remembrance to this wonderful and beautiful little boy. Words cannot express how I’m feeling right now about this. I’m sorry for his family’s pain and the pain that you, Tyler, and his classmates are feeling. You’re right, I guess the angels needed him.
this is so heartbreaking
what a brave little boy. it’s so sad the world will never know and love the type of man he would of grown up to be, a hero. which this world needs more of. we are praying that God will give his family the strength they will need to get through this time of incredible sadness. life is short. tell your family you love them, and tell them often.
This makes me so sad~ There are no words to help.
My heart is with this family, and all of the friends and classmates of this little boy. Your son is lucky to have you! 
I am in tears…this makes me so very sad. I can’t even imagine how his family and friends feel. My thoughts and prayers are with Aldo’s family.
Crying so much. My heart breaks for the family. I’m praying for them and feel so blessed that my kids are safe and healthy and here.
Oh Kara, I am so sorry for their loss. He sounds like an incredible young boy, so courageously helping his friend. What a terrible tragedy. My heart aches for them.
I am in tears…my heart aches for all his loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and yours.
my heart just breaks for this family for his friends and teachers.. what a brave young man… such a selfless thing to do.. you are all in my thoughts and my prayers..
I wish I had better words I dont.. I am just broken hearted..
There are just no words…my heart breaks for this family. May God wrap his loving healing arms around them in comfort during this most difficult time. I will be saying lots and lots of prayers for this family.
So sad that that happened. The only peace comes in knowing that Aldo is with Heavenly Father and he will someday see his family and be with them again. My heart just goes out to this family. May God send them peace at this time.
oh kara, i am so sorry for everyone’s loss. aldo sounds like an amazing little boy. my thoughts, and prayers go out to all of you right now. xoxo
This is beautifully written Kara. I am so sad for this family, I will be lifting them up in prayer. What a little here…
Prayers being said for the family here………..so heart breaking!
So heartbreaking. I cannot imagine what the parents are going through.
Oh my gosh, how devastating! I will pray for peace for his friends and family and all who knew him. Precious little heart!
he was my little cousin we miss him dearly and he will always be in or heartss.love u CLO