After talking with Pam and Craig Akers for 20 minutes on Wednesday, I was taken by their openness and obvious inner strength. Question after question about issues that are personal, sensitive and unpleasant and they answered them all pleasantly and frankly. The Akers are the parents of Shawn Hornbeck, who was abducted five years ago and held captive by Michael Devlin. Hornbeck was found in Devlin's apartment along with Ben Ownby, who had been abducted by Devlin four days earlier. Now that Devlin has pleaded guilty to the charges against him, the Akers agreed to sit down and answer questions. You can watch the entire interview by clicking on this link. http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=182479&shu=1

Reporters talk among themselves about the difficult times that coverage of a story requires us to approach someone who has suffered a tragedy or has a loved one who was victimized and ask them if they would provide information or agree to an interview. Sometimes people decline and we respect their right to say 'no.' Most reporters will tell you that if they were in the other person's shoes they'd probably say 'no.' The Akers said 'yes,' and after speaking with them you can't help but walk away, amazed by the poise and courage they've displayed through all they and their son, Shawn, have experienced.