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first bed he has ever owned . . . My children think of him as a brother. He goes to their games, helps them with homework, and interacts with them like a big brother. He shares his life experiences with my husband and me. I am a social worker who works with at-risk children and families. Even with this experience, I have come even more to realize the importance of a mentor and role model in a child's life. You have given him the inspiration to keep moving forward and continue to live the sport of football. He is making college site visits and pursing a degree in criminal justice after graduation . . .

Jyi has not only become a family member, he is now mentoring some of my children's friends. He has shared that he knows what it feels like to have someone give you that attention and is now doing it for them. I feel joy and peace when I hear him laugh. The sound of his laughter is one I will never forget.

Despite all of his challenges, he has become a delightful young man. He supports his mother; takes her to all doctor appointments; helped her move--all while attending school. She is in his life and has taught him how to be a strong, dependable, well-mannered young man. She willingly shares the mistakes and circumstances they encountered while he was growing up, but continues to support him in his future plans. I believe with all the challenges that arise, your story enables him to make good choices and pursue his dreams! . . . You are his favorite football player and mentor . . . He considers himself the Michael Oher of [our town]!

Other people, like Ms. Maureen Long of Mississippi Children's Home Services, share encouragement about how my story has helped children and the teachers who work with them to find hope and promise in the future:

I am the principal of CARES School, which is a private, state-accredited school that serves students who have been identified as having special emotional and behavioral challenges. Many of our students are in the custody of the Department of Human Services and have had many home placements. They are from six to eighteen years of age. Currently, we have 102 students enrolled. Your story has inspired me to continue to work to help young people find their strengths and talents.

During the Christmas season our teachers went to see The Blind Side. We were so moved by your story that the teachers pooled their own resources to pay the admission costs for our students to see the movie. The kids enjoyed the movie, but seemed to think it was a "fairy tale." For them, things like that don't happen in real life.

One of my goals is to help students identify their strengths and talents. In special schools, we spend most of our time working on students' weaknesses and needs. You are living proof that if someone takes time, resources, and the initiative, students can learn skills that directly lead to success in life!

... Again, I congratulate you on your success and the impact your story has had on the staff and students at CARES School!

Some of the most touching letters I receive are from groups like the YMCA/YWCA and the Boys and Girls Clubs. Ms. Charlene Hawkins, the Program Manager for Youth Services at the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, has shared with me the letters of several young people in her organization:

The reason why I am writing you is that we took our youth to see your movie, The Blind Side. First, I want to thank you so much for allowing your life to be put on screen to inspire the youth of today. We really enjoyed the movie and the students had to write a letter to you to tell you how the movie inspired them. . . . I wanted you to see that your movie really blessed them.

D. writes:

That movie inspired me because when I'm down, I never quit. And now I want to play the game of football . . . You inspired me to believe in myself. Thank you, Michael Oher. Thank you.

E. writes:

You had a tough childhood. That book and movie taught me not to hang with the wrong people even if they say "Do it."

K. writes:

You have