There Goes My Hero (A Father's Perspective)

Since there really is not much to update tonight, I would like to do something slightly different. Many of you have seen the video from yesterday and how remarkable Elias' bounce back was. Today was more of the same and they began to feed him as we left tonight. We all need to say a little prayer that we do not have a repeat of last Friday, which was the first and last time they fed him. We will have more to update tomorrow, as a lot of questions will be answered, so look for that later tomorrow. For now I would like take a few moments to share something with you. This is my constellation of thoughts over the last few weeks that have became cohesive enough to put into words. It is an opportunity for me to let out what has been going through my mind. It was inspired by Elias and how strong he is already proving himself to be.

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As I sat up another night not being able to sleep, I turned to music as my sanctuary. Those of you who know me understand that music is my pulse and refuge, whether I’m composing or simply submerging myself in listening. Music calms my soul. I came across the song by the Foo Fighters – “My Hero.” I’ve listened to this song a million times, but sometimes you have to really listen. I began to focus on the lyrics (printed at the bottom) and realized it was bringing me to a point of understanding. I’ve struggled to express my emotions through this difficult time, but things suddenly made sense. When you listen to the Chorus; "There goes my hero, watch him as he goes, there goes my hero he’s ordinary," that’s when I knew how to say what I was feeling.

When you become a parent you only want the world for your child. Katharine & I have been placed in a very unique situation. One that has tested our strength and resolve beyond its limits. Many have asked us how we seem to be handling everything so well. To be honest, it has to be faith. Through our Faith in God, family, friends, and each other, we are turning a tough situation into something acceptable. Even with all of these things working for us, I believe that Elias is what drives us day in and day out. We are so proud of him. He is showing resilience that few people know. Many of you have shared your stories in our conversations about how Elias has touched or inspired you in some way. It’s absolutely amazing the response he has received. He has certainly heightened my faith and inspired me to do everything I’m able to ensure he is able to choose his path. He has so many obstacles to overcome, but is doing so well in such a short time. Yes, he has had some struggles, but nothing worth fighting for is ever easy. I look at Elias, my son, everyday, and through all the breathing tubes I see him smile. I look in his eyes and hear him say 'I Love You'. I feel him try to grasp my finger, even though he can not, and hear him say 'I’m fighting all this Dad and one day I will grab that finger'. I watch him sleep and know that he is mustering up the strength and courage to wage another battle, some of which he will lose. But his heart, passion, and ability to bring so much joy to so many, regardless of the circumstances, make him more than a son to me. Elias is “My Hero!!” When I look down upon him I see that he is an ordinary boy with extraordinary faith, heart, & desire. Many may not understand considering the circumstances, but I consider myself truly privileged and blessed to have Elias as my son.

LYRICS - My Hero by the Foo Fighters

Too alarming now to talk about
Take your pictures down and shake it out
Truth or consequence, say it aloud
Use that evidence, race it around

There goes my hero
Watch him as he goes
There goes my hero
He’s ordinary

Don’t the best of them bleed it out
While the rest of them peter out
Truth or consequence, say it aloud
Use that evidence, race it around

There goes my hero
Watch him as he goes
There goes my hero
He’s ordinary

Kudos my hero leaving all the best
You know my hero, the one that’s on

There goes my hero
Watch him as he goes
There goes my hero
He’s ordinary