A Hero

I always have to have tunes playing when I work. That’s just how I roll. I think it helps my brain to focus on the music rather than all of the crosstalk that tends to go on in my mind. Then, I can concentrate on what I need to be concentrating on rather than a bunch of random thoughts.

Anyway.

Yesterday, the music was interrupted by an Amber Alert, in which a 4-year-old little girl had been abducted from her mother in Georgia. Turns out it was her father, who has 4 counts of child molestation against him, who took her. He was spotted in Franklin yesterday morning.

I don’t know why it touched me so, but I immediately got on Twitter and tweeted the information. I just felt strongly to pray for the little girl and get the word out.

About an hour later, I found out that the guy had been caught in Rutherford County, and the little girl was safe. Thankful, I moved on with my work.

Then, last night we were watching the 9 o’clock news on Fox 17, and I almost jumped out of my chair when they reported who it was that rescued that little girl.

It was Amanda’s best friend’s dad!

He is a very humble guy, so I know he would probably be embarrassed at being called a “Hero,” but life is hard and I believe in giving praise where praise is due when somebody goes above and beyond…

So I just want to take a moment to share my appreciation for the courage that Andy has demonstrated by what he has chosen to do with his life.

Just a few months ago, he returned from Afghanistan after a year of serving our country with the Tennessee Army National Guard. I can’t imagine the sacrifice of leaving your life as you know it at home, your daughter, your friends, your own sense of safety and security, etc., all to go serve us in the quest to bring those who would harm us at bay. Knowing how difficult it was at times and yet he kept pressing through is enough in itself to write a post about how much I appreciate him.

So then yesterday, to read about how he came upon the abductor as he was trying to spray paint his car in a car wash parking lot…recognizing the description from the Amber Alert, relying on his instincts to know this is the man, and then pursuing him as the criminal fled as he did…well, just consider the fortitude, the clarity of mind, the skill — the courage — that took.

You can read the whole story here.

Andy rescued a little girl from further harm than she probably has already experienced, and he protected the public from a criminal who was going to stop at nothing to escape being caught.

My little girl beamed with pride for her best friend as she learned about her daddy’s heroism last night. What a great example for kids to look up to.

Today, I want to salute him with every ounce of pride I can muster…in my eyes, he is a true hero in every sense of the word.

Well done, Andy.