Walker's Story

“My oldest son, Walker, displayed a strong sense of responsibility and stepped up to the plate with helping to care for his younger siblings. He especially stepped up with his youngest sister by quietly occupying her when I was in need of rest or having to ice my broken ankle.

“He will always change the channel to ensure his siblings are watching their preferred television show, which I think is very kind of for a 5-year-old to do. He tries to get them involved and explains his interests, such as Minecraft and hockey, very patiently. He also picks up that other children may be shy and seeks them out to ensure that they are included in his activity on the recess field.

“He also taught his siblings how to clean up after dinner and ‘look out for mom’ by making sure I always had my ice packs or knee scooter nearby. Overall, he makes sure his siblings are occupied and safe which is a tremendous relief for me and not something I necessarily expected from a 5-year-old boy.

“Walker has been very understanding of times I had to leave for Coast Guard duty and travel, as well as understanding that I need to tend to my injuries. He has spent his whole life seeing me either going to Coast Guard work or heading to the VA for treatment. He has been an exceptional helper for his parents such a young age.

"He is very much the ‘man of the house’ when my husband is away for work and school and I’m just so proud of his growth and intuition as he sees others who need help.”