I'm a pretty tough guy. Well, maybe not, but at least I look tough. Well, maybe not. In any event, when I heard this story at my gym in North Hollywood, it took every ounce of testosterone in my exceptionally masculine body to not cry like a baby. I was told the story by one of my trainers, Brandon, who worked part time at Universal Studios in Southern California as Captain America. This was probably best story I had heard in my life, and now I will tell it to you and do my best to do it justice.
As I said Brandon worked as Captain America at Universal Studios. Along with other characters like Spiderman and Wolverine they would cruise the park in superhero style ATV's and greet and take pictures with the park patrons. Captain America is not quite as popular as some of the other characters, as he has not been immortalized in blockbuster movies featuring his character. None the less people are still always glad to see a superhero and love to take pictures with them. So a couple of years back, while cruising the park, a kid wearing a Captain America cap caught Brandon's eye. It was a rarity to see anyone wearing Captain America gear so Brandon had the team pullover so he could spend some time with the young fan. The boy's name was JC. He was around 8 or 9 years old, and in a wheelchair. Brandon took the time to talk to JC (in character of course) and JC could not have been more thrilled. Turns out Captain America was his biggest hero, and meeting him was probably one of the biggest events of his young life. Brandon stayed with him for quite a while, and also spent some time talking with JC's mother. JC's mom was extremely thankful to have so much attention paid to her son, and she eventually shared that JC was terminally ill, and the doctors said he only had about 9 months left to live. That was obviously tough to hear, and even tougher to share. Brandon felt touched by the little boy's story. He stayed and had is picture taken, signed his autograph, played with him and let JC hold his shield until they finally said their good-byes.
Brandon must have thought that was the last he would see of JC. Over a year later, Brandon was once again working as Captain America, and who should catch his eye but JC. Brandon immediately went to greet him. The boy and mother alike were amazed that Captain America remembered them. He said how could he forget his biggest fan? They once again spent time together and did the picture and autograph thing. Brandon again got the chance to talk to JC's mom. She asked "Do you remember that when we last saw you JC only had 9 months to live?" "Yeah," Brandon replied, "but that was over a year ago." The mother's response was, "JC believes it is because you let him hold your shield."
"…because you let him hold your shield." The power of that statement did not escape him. His kind act enabled a young boy to believe he had the power to continue to live. That was the last time Captain America and JC crossed paths. We of course hope for the best.
How strong is belief? What could you achieve if you believe in yourself? How far could you go? How much better could your life be if you had a fraction of JC's strength? You tell me.
Joshua Carter
The Body Transformation Expert
Carter Fitness Training
http://carterfitness.com
818-337-6175
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