In Auburn, a farmer watches helplessly as flames reduce his home to cinders. His family’s possessions are destroyed, yet the business of farming must continue, or the possibility of rebuilding disappears.

In Peru, two young boys face a dire situation: their father is pinned beneath a boat outside their home. Each second is critical, and 9-year-old Travis and 11-year-old Trevor Desmond were alone to act.

What would you have done? The answer, we hope, parallels what did occur in response to both scenarios, where a community’s kindness, and two brothers’ courage, has earned our accolades and respect.

Proffers of aid, from the public and relief agencies, poured into Roger Gauthier Jr.’s dairy farm on Penley Corner Road after fire consumed his home Sept. 12. The Red Cross fielded offers of labor and materials, while assisting Gauthier and his employees with chores, meals, clothing and lodging.

“It brings out the good in people,” Gauthier’s companion, Virginia Beauchesne, told the Sun Journal.

Gov. John Baldacci visited Peru on Tuesday to laud the Desmond brothers, whose quick actions saved their father’s life. (Yes, it’s a campaign year. But it doesn’t detract from the Desmonds’ actions.)

On July 3, the brothers and dad, 44-year-old Mark Desmond, were readying for a day of fishing when their boat slipped from its trailer and crushed the elder Desmond underneath. He was critically injured, the boat having landed on his head and chest.

Trevor called 9-1-1, and then the brothers worked together to lift the boat and yank their father free. Mark Desmond suffered a brain injury, and must still use a wheelchair, but is most likely alive thanks to the bravery of his boys.

“They are my heroes,” the proud father said. We agree; Trevor and Travis’ heroism should bring a smile to faces across Maine, and is befitting recognition by their state and governor. Baldacci, on Tuesday, proclaimed Sept. 19 as Trevor and Travis Desmond Day in Maine.

What would you have done? For many, the answer is impossible to predict, as individual reactions to emergencies or tragedies will likely differ, which is why these kudos to the Desmond brothers and the benefactors of Graceland Dairy Farm are so well-deserved.

All that we can ask of ourselves, when faced with similar situations, is that we act with the same bravery, and compassion, as they.