You never know what a small favor can produce...A few years ago I hired Lucas Andrade to paint the interior of a house I had purchased. He was so fantastic, I hired him again! The last time I did he asked me if I would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for him for the Cherokee County Police Department. He told me his dream was to become a Police Officer. Lucas told me he had to get his GED and take some courses at the Junior College as well and the course at the Police Academy. He had a lot of work ahead of him. Since I no longer needed his painting services, I had not heard from him in a few years...until yesterday! I saw on my phone I had a missed call from him. I got tied up at work and did not call him back right away. Early this morning, I sent him a text asking how he was and if he needed anything (I thought he may be seeing if I needed any painting...). He answered me back with these pictures (an many more) and told me that yesterday he GRADUATED from the Police Academy!! I was BLOWN AWAY!! My heart smiled so big for him and his beautiful family. He went on and on about how much my letter and encouragement meant to him. I didn't think what I did mattered that much, but to him it certainly did. I am so proud of that young man. I am old enough to be his father, so I can only imagine how parents must feel, but I know I am beaming with joy! I see and read so much putting down and criticizing people do to each other. Why not take a moment and do a kind act for someone? Build someone up, encourage them, take time out to help if you can or just show support. I know I was not responsible for Lucas becoming a Police Officer, but I hope that my small act somehow was a tiny part of the whole that got him to where is his. Congratulations to my dear friend for his great accomplishment!!