She is just 12 years old and lives in Columbia, Missouri, and she is my hero. KOMU News in Columbia reported the remarkable story and interviewed Marilyn Wildflower. On Thursday, June 27, 2013, Marilyn Wildflower woke up to a naked man in her room. The man was touching himself and trying to pull off her bed covers, and he was holding a gun.

However, Marilyn credits the television show CSI for her bravery. In her interview with KOMU, I watched as Marilyn Wildflower confidently restated her story. In the previously recorded interview, she states, “I remember an episode of CSI where they said you can never show fear in these situations.” She then continues to show how she began snapping her fingers, “as you would do to a dog to get his attention” looked the intruder in the eye and told him to leave as “he was not allowed to hurt her.”

As she pointed to the door, she continued to snap her fingers. Stating, “I raised my voice louder each time telling him to leave.” Then she told him he should be ashamed of himself. This is when he apparently hangs his head in shame and leaves her room.

What do you think about this incredible story? If only everyone could learn from this incredibly brave and intelligent girl. She may only be 12 years old, but she handled this situation as if she was a professionally trained police officer. How crazy would it be to prepare children from an early age on how to handle a real emergency?

When emergencies arise, people of all ages panic and panicking is what gets you killed. As a psychiatric nurse and mother, I have experience in many different situations involving unstable people. I am able to step up to the plate and take charge. Yet, even at 46 years old with my life experiences and professional training, I could not have handled what happened to Marilyn Wildflower as bravely as she did.

Now let us hope police are able to find this predator and put him in jail where he belongs for a very long time before he tries to hurt anyone else. For the record, Marilyn Wildflower deserves a medal of bravery for not panicking and for her fast and bold thinking. Marilyn Wildflower you are my hero. I am so thankful you are well and I am writing this article with such a fantastic conclusion as I am all too aware of differently this may have ended.