Kentucky Character is dedicated to one of these children and a special friend of mine. I met him at a temporary home for children who are facing emergency situations at home (such as abuse). Michael*, a petite ten year old boy who looked several years younger because of malnutriton, was curled up in my lap during a game of bingo. We had been bonding throughout the day and he had given me several gifts, including a coveted smiley face sticker and a bubble-gum machine ring because I was his "girlfriend". As the day was coming to an end and we were enjoying each other's company, Michael's big, beautiful brown eyes looked up at me and with a hint of desperation he proclaimed "I wish you were my mom." Right then I realized the toll his home life had taken on him. I realized how desperately he needed a role model- a role model he could not find at home. I was so deeply touched that I made a pledge to myself that- from that day forward, I would work diligently to find an answer- to find hope, care and love for Michael and those like him. I found that answer in character education-
Kentucky Character- "For Michaels Everywhere."
*Name has been changed.