Two heros: Part 9 of 10:

Heros. The word is bandied about pretty freely these days until just about everybody is a hero. By my reckoning, these two, cousins Bryan (left) and Leon Nukapigak, define the true meaning of the word. In an instant they recognized lives were at stake, knew what had to be done and did it - even though their actions could easily have cost them their own lives. As they sat here Leon, at right, described how, in the pitching, careening boat, one moment he would be looking straight up into the stars, the next, straight ahead into frothing white and then down into deep, black, ocean. There is a famous painting of a boy looking straight ahead through a fierce storm as Jesus travels with him, His hand on his shoulder. "I kept seeing that picture in my mind," Bryan, seen here showing how he would brace himself for the blow when the boat would plummet down the back side of a wave, said. "It gave me the peace of mind to keep going." Now, he wants to get a good copy of the picture to keep in his boat.

After her prayers are answered, she gives praise and thanks to God: Part 8 of 10:

During the three hours of the rescue, Bernice had prayed many times. She had dropped right down to her knees and prayed. After everyone was safely on land, she got on the VHF radio and, as all those on Cross Island stood in their own cabins with their hats removed and heads bowed, offered a prayer of thanks. Now, in the Taalak cabin with her daughter and all others involved safely on land and warmed up, she lay back on her bunk and prayed again, acknowledging His power and giving all the thanks, honor and glory to God and Jesus His Son.

Her smile quickly returns: Part 7 of 10:

Even as Eric is famed for his humor and story-telling, so too is Nannie for her quick and beautiful smile, despite her ordeal here flashed in response to a hug from Willie Seilak.

Following his frightening ordeal, a young boy rests: Part 6 of 10:

Eleven year-old Kenny rests next to his oldest brother, 17 year-old Sonny Boy, who had helped build the signal fires.

Doreen gives comfort: Part 5 of 10

Doreen comforts 13 year-old Yugu, who was brought in on the rescue boat by Bryan and Leon.