The Governor reached into the box and came out with the actual Lone Star Medal of Valor. It was a five-pointed star overlaid with the word VALOR suspended from a sky-blue ribbon and designed to be worn around the neck, and that’s where Governor Abbott hung it. He passed the circle of ribbon over Shake’s head, let he decoration drop and then tinkered a bit to get it just right for the cameras. Shake had to keep himself from staring down at it—a move that he knew would make him look like he had more chins than a Chinese phone book—and took the Governor’s hand when it was offered. There was a loud burst of whistles and applause that seemed to go on way too long. Recognizing this moment was the dramatic heart of the ceremony, Governor Abbott kept a tight grip on Shake’s right hand.
“Shake, th
