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| Once Again Channel 9 WAFB Helps Me Get My Message Out Click the badge to see the story |
| WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE |
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| The Punk Who's Riding MY Bike! |
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| SO MY BIKE GOT JACKED! |
| The first night I dreamed about it. In my dream I noticed someone walk over to it and then begin to roll it away. I ran out the door near him and said "Hey! Drop that!" He stopped for just an instant and looked at me. It was just long enough for me to tackle him full force. I was going to take it back. My coworker came in that morning and said, I dreamed about your bike. I told her no kidding, me too! She dreamed we found it in the empty lot across the street. Stripped and up on blocks. The third woman who sits downstairs with us came in the door and said, I dreamed about your bike last night. I spent the night with my pistol in his face, and we got it back for you. Since then I have had tips that the bike is in the neighborhood down the road. It has been spotted in a gathering of thugs one evening at a gang hangout. It makes me mad, it scares me, I'm not sure I'm brave enough to be outraged. The police don't seem to care enough to go look for it. Well, I suppose this is where I've got to make a choice. I can either become the victim of a crime or I can become a survivor of the streets. Wait a second, I remember.... I AM STRONG |
| An Anonymous Benefactor called me shortly after the news story ended. He told me that he lost a kidney not long ago. He appreciated my gift to the Kidney foundation and wanted to replace my bike! I couldn't believe it at first, but he really did sound serious. We made arrangements to meet on Saturday. Saturday came and the Benefactor checked out as being someone that on of my coworkers went to school with a hundred years ago, or something. When he arrived he was a little surprised that I wanted to see his drivers license before I would get into his truck. As hopeful about humanity as I am, I just got 'jacked and I'm not into walking home because I took a ride from a stranger. The Benefactor turns out to be a very nice person who is curious about how I decided to do this thing, what made me choose the Kidney Foundation, how I manage the daily things in life and all of that. We went to the same WalMart where I bought the original Kulana, and guess what, there was another one! Just beautiful, waiting there for me. What a kind man! He replaced my basket, my lights, and got me a nice heavy lock. I've learned my lesson, it's going to stay chained from now on! He got it down and we gathered the rest of the items and a stock lady walked up and said, "Oh that's the same one as the lady on the news had." I laughed and looked her in the eye, "I AM the lady on the news," I told her. "And this kind man is helping me replace the other one." I thought later that I hope he wasn't embarrassed that I acknowledged him that way. He told me he wanted to remain anonymous, but there's nothing embarrasing about being caught doing a good deed. So how do I repay such a kindness? All I can do is thank God that there are good people in the world. I am so blessed. I was getting really worried about how I was going to get my groceries home! THANK YOU, BENEFACTOR! Flame On ... |
| THANKS WAFB! Well the bike has not come home, but there is another in it's place, and I am so grateful! Donna Britt sent me the sweetest note, she said it made them mad and they wanted to help me. That lady is so cool! Thanks to Matt Williams who's come out twice now and shows that someone cares about what I'm doing. And thanks to everyone else who watches Channel 9. I see you everywhere! If you recognize me, then I know you'll recognize my bike. I'm not giving up hope. |
| Victim or Survivor How much do I tell? What do I say? What will be my story today? Have I lived a nigthmare, Or just had a rough start? Have I played a role, Or just acted a part? Am I drowning in sorrow, Of fatherless poverty? Or celebrating the richness, Woven in my tapestry? Is Hell here on Earth, A sad bittersweet song? Or do I write the lyrics As I hum along? Do I make my future, Or does my past make me? Victim or Survivor, It's up to me. ~Tammy Busby |