news-record.com

No denying Alisha Williamson is a cute 7-year-old. She's also a lucky one.

By now, you've probably heard about the caper that brought her national attention.

Last Sunday, Alisha was in the Rockingham County convenience mart where her mother works. A man entered and demanded money and cigarettes. When he came behind the counter where she and her mother were standing, Alisha shoved, then trailed him outside.

The situation escalated when deputies say the man pulled a gun. Alisha ducked and hid under her polka dot "blankie." Fortunately, no bullets flew. The suspect, identified as a neighborhood teenager and regular shopper, subsequently was arrested.

In the eyes of a child, nothing may be more important than protecting Mommy. But had Alisha been injured, or worse, the news stories would have been much different.

Following the media blitz, Lisa Williamson wisely told Alisha that it's Mommy's job to protect her, not the reverse. "I'm proud of you," she said, "but don't do it again."

That's sound advice other parents should repeat. Glorifying Alisha's brave, even foolhardy response could lead to tragedy somewhere else. A child's insular world colored by make-believe doesn't comprehend the real world of guns and no-nonsense robbers. A desperate gunman in search of drug money wouldn't hesitate in hurting a child.

This time, there was a happy ending. Alisha's bubbly personality captivated a national TV audience on "Good Morning America." She's back at the store helping Mommy and innocently giving out autographs.

Next time, who knows?