In honor of National Adoption Month (November), WORLD magazine did a great little story on Michael Oher - his journey through homelessness, as a transracial adoptee, and into the NFL - also the story behind the new film starring Sandra Bullock entitled "The Blind Side" (which we have yet to see... but definitely plan on it).According to the article, Oher grew up in the projects of New Orleans, was addicted to crack cocaine and living on the streets by the age of 15, and in the eyes of many, had "no future" ahead of him. Practically by mere coincidence, Oher came to know the Tuohy family - family owners of fast food chains such as KFC, Taco Bell and Long John Silver - who through various ups and downs decided to give Oher a place to stay.
Recently, Oher was nominated as NFL's 'Rookie of the Year' and as mentioned above, a book and film have been written about his life experiences.
There is no doubt in our mind that Oher's adoption journey was tough. Perhaps what is most beautiful about the story - at least the story as it is portrayed in "The Blind Side" - is the way in which Oher's adoption by the Tuohy family not only helped "change" Oher's future, but in turn, actually changed the adoptive family. It wasn't about "saving" - but about coming together as a family and growing together.
One scene, depicted in the film's preview, displays Ms. Tuohy (Leigh Ann, played by Bullock) speaking with an older woman who points out how much she is "changing" Oher's life. Leigh Ann's response is, "No, he's changing mine".
Thanks for reading...
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