My Heart Aches

American Idol Gives Back is the creation of the viewing sensation of the century. American Idol continues to attract audiences of all ages week after week to watch, vote, and either celebrate or mourn the loss of their favorite performer.

This week's performances were geared towards inspiration as corporate America joined forces with American Idol to donate ten cents per call up to a donation of $5,000,000.00 and then a two hour results show featuring mega stars from all walks of the entertainment world including the phenomenal Bono.

During the show, video footage was shown of Ryan and Simon's trip to Africa and Randy and Paula's trips to Atanta's homeless areas and other areas plagued with the less fortunate and those facing poverty every single day. Simon even visited a food bank that was close to his home yet unknown to him until now. Visably shaken by all of the visits, the show's message is that we all can make a difference by joining together to tackle the problems headon with each other.

US Cellular (the company I work with and for) joined forces for Aides in Africa with the Red Campaign featuring a handset and accessories designed in red especially to show support for this cause that is championed by none other than Bono. We were made aware of the issues in Africa because of the publicity behind this effort and because US Cellular wanted to be a player in making this world a better place.

It sickened me to see these poor babies hungry, living in shambles, and most without parents because of disease and lack of medical help. I looked at my little grandson after viewing the videos and I was so humbled with how fortunate I am to be providing a home to share with my daughter and this little guy. We both work hard to have what we have but the point is that we have a chance to work hard. Those kinds of opportunities do not exist in Africa. My feelings are that I am one person and that my contribution will only help one or two but when I think that if I join forces with thousands of others, my contribution will multiply and climb to an amount to really make a difference.

I don't know these children but I can only connect with them with my heart and tonight, my heart was opened and challenged. American Idol is a show but it does just that....it "shows" America how we can make a difference.

Jordan (age 17) sang my mom's favorite song and captured the meaning of the two day event:

When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high

And don't be afraid of the dark

At the end of a storm is a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark

Walk on through the wind

Walk on through the rain

Tho' your dreams Be tossed and blown

Walk on..Walk on..With hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone

You'll never walk alone

Walk on..Walk on..With hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone

You'll never walk alone