What America is About

Okay, we keep hearing about the trials and troubles of American life, how we're all in such dire straits that the president has to save us all and every petty special interest group is scrambling to make sure they get their piece of the bail-out and stimulus pie. It's both sad and sickening at the same time. This is not what America is supposed to be about. for a while I was somewhat depressed about the state we're in but a friend sent us an update on her life and reminded me
what this country is about and that there are still some who can prove it.

A dear friend of our family, Becky Oprean, e-mailed a detailed description of her adventures of the last few months. Though her family lives in San Antonio, many people here in the Valley know and adore this young woman. You see, shortly after her family moved to America from Romania in 1987, little Becky was born--with drastic problems. She was born with Spina Bifida and her parents were told that she wouldn't live too long. That was 21 years ago and she's still going strong; albeit, in a wheelchair and still with many health problems.
Her life is spent in giving and helping others, both in America and in Romania. During her teen years she was part of Joni and Friends, an organization that took wheelchairs and other medical aids to Eastern Europe. A few years ago Becky and her family began Beckyshope, which does the same thing, only on a smaller scale.

Last December President Bush, while on a trip to Texas, honored Becky for her volunteer work
and being the shy type of gal she is, she asked when she was going to get a tour of the white house. Well, three and a half weeks later, Becky-boo (as Mr. Bush calls her), her parents and her brother and sister-in-law were sitting in the oval office for a 20 minute private meeting with President and Laura bush, followed by a tour of the White House.

That's what America is about, people: an immigrant family, a young girl facing and overcoming incredible difficulties (and always cheerful and smiling), the TRUE spreading of hope and encouragement, and sitting in the most famous Office in the world. It isn't politics or ideology
or parties or presidents that gives me hope, it's someone like Becky who absolutely embodies
courage and determination who gives me hope.