Heroes

Chris and I had tears in our eyes as we watched Timothy Poe's performance on America has Talent. Poe told of his brain injury that he got when a grenade exploded in Afghanistan, and how he began singing because his speech therapist suggested that he sing in the shower to help his stuttering. Then he sang a beautiful rendition of "If Tomorrow Never Comes." Even the judges joined in a standing ovation with tears in their eyes.
It appears, however, that Mr. Poe was putting on the act of his life. Another hero bites the dust. It seems that good heroes are hard to come by. Much too often, Americans watch heroes fall by the wayside. We idolize athletes who turn to drugs, movie stars who turn to adultery and young starlets who expose themselves to the world.

I'm not much worried about my newest hero letting me down. Less than a year ago, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and underwent brain surgery and chemo therapy to get rid of it. He has gone through so much in the last year and he remains brave through it all -- perhaps, braver than the rest of us. His smile is unbreakable, his love is unconditional, and his faith is unshakable. His name is Riley Bryce Wilson. He is my hero!

Oh, and he turns 1 year old on June 23.