Where is your heart?

I ask myself this everytime I watch the movie, "The Blind Side." The first time I watched it was because it was about football (of course), loved the actors in it, and of course, Nick Saban had a bit part. But why do I keep going back to it?

I do because of the message there. It's really a lot like the move and book, "To Kill A Mockingbird." There's so much to learn ... if you pay attention. So I sit here tonight watching it again and asking myself, where is my heart?

Would I help the young, black man or turn my back because it would be easier? Would I trust him with my daughter and belongings? If I did help him would I be doing it for the right reasons? Even if I were blessed financially like this couple would I be selfless enough to spend my money and time on someone everyone else has given up on?

Lots of questions there, and I'm the first to admit I don't have all the answers. I think you'd have to be in the situation to "truly" know what you'd do. But I do know the following about me: I'm compassionate, have a great love for young adults and teenagers and I have this instinct to help people. The main drawback is the funds. Oh, well ... but sometimes you can do more with less.

I'm going to share a dream I've had since I was about thirty. If I could I'd have a halfway house for teenagers/young adults who are out on the streets. They'd finish school, eventually become employed, follow their dreams, kick whatever habits they had and learn how to deal with the actions that placed them on the streets. It sounds like a huge dream and basically impossible. Is it?

That's from my heart ... so when you see anyone on the streets realize it could be you or your child. Don't ever think you are above such a horrible situation. And when you can ... help someone.

So here is the question again, where is your heart?

My BFF ... Oh, Susan ...

There are many special people in the world, and my friend Susan,is one who is near and dear to my heart. I was feeling lost in an area I hadn't worked before and she taught me a lot. What started as a working buddy has now become a special friendship, and she is truly one of my best friends.

With that said we have a lot in common. We share the same wedding anniversary; are the same age; hold the same position at work; she's from Cottonwood and I'm from Cottondale; her daughter is Laurie and mine is Lauren. Our mindsets are much alike and we both have a "look" we give that can make people get out of our way.

We both are compassionate and kind people, but we differ in that she'll let things roll off her back much easier than me. Susan won't let anyone run over her, but she'll try to overlook the "stupidity" of her friends, where I'll just call them out.

I'm dedicating this blog to my dear friend, who is also the "Margarita Queen." She celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago. On the weekend after her birthday she had a party. Many of her friends came and boy did she have a good time. It was wonderful seeing her enjoy herself so much, and I admire her for the fun spirit she possesses.

It has taken me a few weeks to get my thoughts together on this subject. I'm writing this because I think that sometimes special people need to be recognized. This is her time and I'm officially extending her birthday into August. Now her husband just needs to buy her another birthday present. Go David!

Happy Birthday again

to my best friend!