'What are Words'

I'm touched by this young man, his music and his story.

I don't watch American Idol so you if you are a fan, this story will be old news. I've heard the name 'Chris Medina'. I just can't tell you where. Until now. I stumbled across Chris' story somewhere on the web telling about his fame due to his short stint on American Idol earlier this year.

While a contestant on the show, Chris told how his finance, Juliana, suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident a mere two weeks before their wedding leaving her in a wheelchair, struggling to recover. Chris, a Starbucks barista, has spent nearly two years caring for her. Although he was later eliminated from the show, Chris' story caught the attention of songwriter and producer Rodney Jerkins who was touched by Chris' devotion to Juliana . Rodney wrote a song loosely based on Chris' story and asked Chris if he would record it. 'What are Words' soared to No. 24 on the iTunes top 200 charts. Chris' new found popularity found him making appearances on The Tonight Show and Good Morning America.

The Universe works in profound ways. Donors, touched by Juliana's struggles and Chris' devotion, have been generous with their dollars, aiding in Juliana's recovery.

I know a young woman named Sarah who suffered irreversible brain damage when hit by a drunk driver driving the wrong way on an interstate. This accident not only turned Sarah's life upside down but the lives of her family as well. Despair, medical bills, nursing care, therapists, bedside vigils , lawsuits, back strain, infections; heaps of difficulties. Yet love is lavished daily upon this young woman by her family and friends, again and again and again.

Chris Medina is a young 26 with endless possibilities ahead of him, not to mention his talented voice. Yet he's choosing Juliana to be a part of his life.

I admire this man.