Reading the information that Susan Piercy sent me Sunday regarding Flannery Edwards's plight (front page) brought tears to my eyes.

One of my first thoughts was, just how many of these stories can one small community handle?

In Royal City, apparently, that number is endless. The community always responds and does so generously.

Then I thought about the blow this promising young life has been dealt. It seems not to make any sense.

But I've been around long enough to realize that these types of things can happen to anyone at anytime. There is no reason. The good news is that there are communities like Royal City that step up and step forward.

I have worked with Flannery's mother, Marge Edwards, since the start of The Royal Register. She has been one of the most helpful persons in making this paper a success.

However, I had noticed a change in her demeanor during recent phone conversations. She wasn't her usual cheerful self. Still I had no idea.

Marge is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I pray for God's loving care for her and her daughter during this recovery.

Earlier last week I received other news that tugged at my heartstrings. It is good news for Luke Fazzari of Walla Walla and for the United States of America.

Why am I writing about a boy from Walla Walla, you may ask. That's because this is a story about patriotism beyond belief.

Luke is the younger brother of U.S. Army Lt. Mathew Fazzari, who died in a helicopter shootdown in Afghanistan last year. Luke was visiting the U.S. Military Academy at West Point when he received news of his brother's death.

Men - and parents - of weaker character might have changed their minds about serving after receiving such news. Not the Fazzaris. They marched on.

Luke has received an appointment to the class of 2017 at West Point. It was made through the nomination of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Spokane.

The application to West Point is an arduous process requiring demonstration of excellence in academics, athletic ability and leadership qualities. This year, more than 15,500 applicants competed for 1,100 appointments.

Carrying a load that includes several advance placement classes, Luke will graduate from DeSales Catholic High School this spring with a 3.968 grade point average.

Bob Gregson of Spokane, West Point Class of 1964, will present Luke with his appointment at the DeSales Awards Ceremony on May 28. He will report to West Point on July 1.

About four years later Luke will replace his brother on the front lines of America's defense.

The Fazzaris are family friends. The father, Greg, teaches at DeSales and is a mentor to my daughter Jenny, who is the spiritual retreats coordinator. Mathew was my son-in-law Andrew Neal's best friend.

The tears were sorrowful for Mat. They are joyous for Luke.