I don't think I've ever seen a more likable person on the news than Craig Akers

[mtnsnake]

the step dad of Shawn Hornbeck, the kid who just got rescued and reunited with his family after being kidnapped for 4 years.

This Akers guy, standing up there, live at the news conference, looking disheveled, teeth missing in the front, was so cool and he was one of the most well spoken parents I've ever heard. If anyone had a million dollar smile on his face the whole time he was talking, it was him. He was so relieved, so happy, and so appreciative to all the people who supported his family over the years that you just couldn't help being touched by his sincerity. The way he expresses his gratitude is amazing. The guy just kind of restores your faith in people. He didn't have to praise God over and over, either, for finding his son. He just praised the people around him. If you want to feel good, just listen to this guy speak. I think they're going to play the news conference again at 12:30 ET on CNN.

[spanone]

1. He far outspoke our current dictator. Very impressive. No notes, No earpiece.

[etherealtruth]

2. Definitely

He is obviously an incredible man.

[Ilsa]

3. He was so sweet. And he is adopting Shawn. What a wonderful

supportive husband and father. It sounds like he never gave up. The only issue I would pick is one of semantics of calling kids our most precious "commodity," but considering how stressful their lives have been, it is of no real consequence. If a media person had used this word, I probably would have gotten frustrated, but not with this lovely person.

[GemMom]

8. In one sense, kids ARE a commodity.

His words were truthful. In a NOT-literal sense, Kids ARE a commodity by being our investments in our own future.

Craig Akers is a first responder, BTW.

[malaise]

4. I was in tears

He was wonderful.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

5. they all look so happy

Mom looks a little like she's afraid it's a dream.

I'm so happy for all of them! :grouphug:

[MuseRider]

6. I wish I got

cable out here! I saw them this morning on our local news but only the mother spoke. While she was fine I really wish I could have heard this. What a great story.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

7. The Shawn Hornbeck Foundation website is down...

http://www.shawnhornbeckfoundation.com/
:(

But Wiki and Snopes have been updated already!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_Hornbeck

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/missing/hornbeck.asp


does anyone have an active e-mail address for the foundation?

[GemMom]

9. The website is probably down.......

because of huge bandwidth use. People are going to come out of the woodwork to try to make donations and help these people.