Notes From The Frugal Trenches – A Downshifting Journey

I recently had the opportunity to watch the film The Blind Side, an endearing movie based on the true story of an American family who found a homeless 17-year-old boy named Michael Oher and took him in as their own; he went from sleeping on their couch to being their son. Michael became a famous American footballer and currently plays in the NFL.

I cried throughout the film (in fact I was sobbing at a few parts!), it was a poignant reminder to me just how many kids there are on the streets, with no one to care for them, looking for love, attention and affection in the wrong places; kids who deserve a chance and are most unlikely to ever receive one. I’ve worked with these kids and seen how little hope they have until they realize they are something special.

We are often bombarded with bad press, images of violence and war, stories of embezzlement, fraud and greed and yet around the corner in every neighbourhood there are people doing amazing things, people  one by one making life changing decisions for the most vulnerable with no ulterior motive other than to give a kid a chance. Only the reality is, they end up being the ones who benefit from their actions, they learn and grow from being around these amazing, special kids.  As it says in the film

Friend: You’re changing that boy’s life

Mama: Nope he’s changing mine!

I came away filled with determination to see the blessings and opportunities I have to make a difference, help others and maybe through the process learn something from very special people who have more honor, courage, strength and determination than we could ever imagine.