Throughout the week, our ACC Team searches through emails and news articles looking for someone who deserves to be the Hero of the Week… Find out how you can nominate a Hero of the Week at the bottom of the page.
Amber Lee Cooke emailed to tell us about her mom, Debbie Nelson. She writes:
Hi Kix!
My name is Amber Lee… I’m sending a poem that I hope you can read on American Country Countdown. My hero is my mom. She adopted me and my brothers, giving us a chance at a life that I know we wouldn’t have had otherwise. The poem is titled Yes, She’s My Real Mom.
I remember one day back when I was young
Elementary kids asking me if you were my real mom.
I thought, “Why do they ask such silly questions as these
Or make it a subject that they could tease?”They asked, “Why are you black when your mom is white?”
And, “We know your dad’s black, but shouldn’t you be light?”
I shook my head and just let them go on,
And knew in my heart, though I was adopted, color doesn’t make a mom.A mother takes care of you whether you were in her womb or not
And loves you unconditionally through the good, the bad and indifferent times
Because doing things like this can’t be bought.She guides you and teaches you the best she can
And let’s you know through every step of your life young or old,
She’ll be holding your hand.She stands beside you cheering loudly
When others may not,
And she’s your best friend
The closest one you’ve got.She even tells you when you’re wrong
And catches the tears that fall
After you hear what she has to say
And reassures you your feelings will soon pass and tomorrow’s a new day.She cuddles and comforts you after your first love broke your heart
And encourages you to keep pushing on even though it may be hard.She tells you to kill people with respect and kindness
Even when they don’t give that to you,
But to stand up for yourself, and never back down when you have to fight
Because that’s what strong women do.I hope when you read this you know how much you’ve impacted me,
Now and even back to when I was three.You’ve been there through every stage of my life,
Through the wins and losses,
Through every surprise that this life always tosses.So, when people ask, “Is she your real mom?”
I hold my head up high and proudly say,
“Yes, she’s my real mom
Who chose me each and every single day.”
—
Kix’s Response:
Amber, thank you for sharing your story. We thank you for sending that poem in… Your mom sounds like a real-life hero for you and your family.
We’re happy to honor Debbie Nelson, your mother, as our ACC Hero!
Nominate a Hero of the Week
Now, we want to know who has made a difference in your life. Nominate a local firefighter, police officer, EMT or someone who is serving our country in the military. It could even be a neighbor, family member or friend who lent a crucial helping hand. Let us know all about the person who you feel is a real life hero by emailing us here and please feel free to send us a picture!