My daughter is my hero

This past weekend revealed the kind of excitement which awakens your thoughts. In preparation for this week’s general election, my wife had some work to complete Sunday, to ensure that the clerks office was ready for Tuesday’s polling. Taking an opportunity to simply relax, the girls and I decided to take care of some much-needed household chores, then for the most part did our own individual things as the afternoon began drawing to a close. I set out my computer and began placing words to paper.

It was then that I noticed a glimmering light through the front door. As our family’s two toy poodles began to excitedly announce that someone had pulled into the driveway, I decided to respond and see what was going on. I recognized the driver was a local businessman. The young man and I spoke for a short time when out of nowhere, the family’s nightmare started.

Standing at the closed door, speaking to the young man, I heard the door quickly open. My youngest daughter, concern written all over her face, said “something bad is wrong with Izzie.” I quickly responded to the living room where Riyann shared that the cherished pet had been barking and out of nowhere, she fell over. Riyann attempted to help her to her feet, but the baby couldn’t stand up. She quickly picked her up and placed her on the couch, and ran to get me. Calm and composed, the child stood by, doing her best to help her mother’s beloved pet.

Swooping Izzie up, into my arms, I began assessing what was wrong and what I could do to help her. Following a short time of coaxing, the poodle regained consciousness and other than being a bit confused seemed to jump right back to her original self. The afternoon included several instances where Izzie had the same problems and as we reached out to multiple veterinarians it was determined she was getting over stimulated, and passing out.

My wife and I discussed what had occurred. As I related the events to her, I was s floored by the calmness and precision my nine-year-old had displayed during the incident. Cool and collected, she placed her own fears aside and simply acted to help her little friend. Not knowing all the answers, the one thing she did know was her friend needed help and when it was beyond her, she reached out.

We are all confronted every now and then with situations which leave us with a choice of acting or simply remaining stagnant. It is when we put our apprehension aside and rush into action, even when we don’t truly know what to do, that lives are many times impacted. As I think about this child, I smile because to me she was a hero that day. Her willingness to do more than just watch not only saved a life but lessened the heartbreak which surely would have been felt by her mother. Izzie is better. She has been diagnosed and is on medication now, and thriving off the increase in loving attention.

May we all think about the actions of this child the next time we are confronted with the question of if we will act to help another. As Nelson Mandela once said, “May your choices reflect your hopes not your fears.” Some actions may change an outlook, some change a direction. Some choices may lead us while others hamper our fulfillment. In the end, it is a heart matter as far as I am concerned. Have a good heart my friends. Act with intent rather than fear and lets see where a little compassion leads us.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from nine to 30.