It's a miracle that I'm
standing before you today.
But what I'm about to share
with you isn't about me.
It's about Annie--
Annie Timmons, who
is the kindest,
most forgiving soul
I've ever known.
She loves to read,
mostly because she
doesn't have any friends.
Many of you don't pay
much attention to her
or see her for
who she really is.
You've only seen
her disabilities.
She's been knocked
down, bullied,
and has had her
heart broken more
than her fair share of
times, and some of us
here today are to
blame, including me.
Hi, girls.
Hi, Annie.
No, don't talk to her.
Why not?
I already told
you, she's a cr*pple.
Ew, that's gross.
Yeah, it is.
We can't be seen with her.
It's bad for our reputation.
Let's go.
My mom's waiting.
Please
don't leave me behind.
You're my ride home.
We really
should give her a ride.
Not our problem.
Now, hurry.
Don't
let her catch up.
Hey, girls.
Hey, Mom.
Did you guys have fun?
Yep, a blast.
Read lots of books.
Now, let's go.
We have a play at June's house.
Uh, what about Annie?
She said her mom's
coming to pick her up.
Oh, yeah?
You sure?
Yes, I'm sure.
OK, buckle up.
Let's go.
Please don't leave me behind.
Come on, wait for me.
Well, well,
look what we have here.
Hi, Stew.
Hi, Jacob.
Do not come any closer.
You have cooties.
No, I don't.
Those aren't even real.
Yes, they are.
You'll just smell
like an old, wet dog.
You should go home
and take a shower.
It's disgusting.
Yeah, it is.
Come on,
let's get out of here.
Move out of the way!
We don't want to get infected!
Hi.
What's wrong with your legs?
Arthur, that's not a
very polite thing to say.
I am so sorry.
It's OK.
People stare at me all the
time but never say anything.
I'd rather they just ask.
Well, you are sweet.
Thank you.
I actually have something
called cerebral palsy,
so my legs don't work very well.
But other than that,
I'm pretty normal.
That's good to know.
Thank you so much for sharing.
You're welcome.
Have a good day.
You as well.
Bye, Arthur.
Bye.
Hey.
There's my girl.
Hey, Daddy.
What, no hug?
Bring it in.
That's more like it.
What's this?
A flower for me?
Sure, if you want it.
Oh, I do.
I want to give it to your mom.
Just don't tell her
that I didn't pick it.
OK, Daddy.
Hey, you OK?
Yeah, I'm OK.
You just getting
back from the library?
Yeah, I got a backpack
full of new books to read.
Oh, that's great.
You know, I love that
you love to read so much.
I have lots of friends
that I made at my books,
but they're not real.
Did you meet anybody
new at the library today?
No, there were
lots of kids there,
but they didn't really
want to talk to me.
I'm sorry, sweetheart.
That's their loss.
You can talk to me
anytime you want.
Thanks, Daddy.
I didn't see
anybody drop you off.
How did you get home?
Well, Claire's mom
was supposed to give me a ride,
but I think they kind
of forgot about me.
They forgot about you?
And you walked all the
way home all by yourself?
Yeah.
That's over 2 miles.
It's OK.
I'm strong.
Yes, you are--
stronger than any kid your age
and most adults that I know.
You're my hero.
Thanks, Daddy.
Cheer up, kiddo.
You're going to make
some new friends soon.
I can feel it.
I hope so, Daddy.
I know you do, kiddo.
Hey, how about we get inside?
I bet your mom has dinner
ready, and I am starved!
Yeah.
All right, come on.
I cannot believe you walked
all the way home by yourself.
And thank
you for our family,
and thank you for our
dog, Kai, and thank you
for this wonderful
meal my mom made me.
And please help
me find a friend--
someone who will be nice to me.
In the name of
Jesus Christ, Amen.
Amen.
Thank you, Annie.
You always say
such nice prayers.
Aww, and thank you
for the flower, honey.
What?
What's so funny?
Nothing.
I'm just excited to
be home with my girls.
OK.
So how was the library?
Um--
Ah, Claire and her
mom left her behind.
She walked home.
What?
You walked home?
Yeah, but it's OK.
I think it was just an accident.
I-- I had fun.
I checked out five new
books, mostly fantasy stuff
about princesses and dragons.
Well, that is great, honey.
I really love your imagination.
Oh, hey, there
is a new girl that
has just moved into
the neighborhood,
and she is your age, Annie.
Mm!
That's good.
Yeah.
Her name is Jordan.
And I talked to her mom today,
and they are going to go
to church with us on Sunday.
OK.
So her parents and her, they
are invited to Claire's birthday
party tomorrow afternoon,
and I was thinking
you two could be friends, huh?
I'm sure she'd love
someone to talk to.
I don't
really want to go, Mom.
Why?
I think she'd really
love someone to talk to.
What's going on?
'Cause all they do
at those parties is
do fun games that I can't do.
Besides that, all the
other kids ignore me.
Hmm.
Well, what about Claire?
Claire's your friend.
She likes you.
No, she doesn't.
She just pretends to
at church, and then
at school or everywhere
else I see her,
she's always really mean to me.
Really?
I am so sorry.
I did not know that.
It's OK.
I forgive her.
May I be excused?
I'm not very hungry.
Sure, sweetheart.
Give your leftovers to Kai.
OK.
I have a phone call to make.
Yeah.
How could she not check?
How could she not know that
she didn't have a ride?
I don't know.
Maybe she thought we
were picking her up?
Well, that is not OK.
She should check.
She should check!
Yeah, I agree.
I'm glad you're my friend.
Come in.
I just wanted to
come say good night.
Daddy?
Hmm?
Why did God make me like this?
Oh, honey.
You're perfect.
God doesn't make mistakes.
I mean, my body--
why did he make
my body like this?
I don't know.
But I do know that there
is a reason for everything.
You know, sometimes, God takes
our toughest challenges in life
and turns lemons into lemonade.
I wonder why people
can't really see me.
They only see my crutches.
The right ones can see you
and the incredible person
that you are.
Others are going to come along
and become your truest friends--
the ones that really
matter in life.
I hope so.
Do you know what I think?
What?
I think that you should
go to that party tomorrow.
What if no
one talks to me like always?
Hmm, well, you can always
come talk to me and Mom.
OK, I'll go.
That's my girl.
I'm going to go to bed.
OK.
You should get
some sleep, too.
OK.
Love you.
Good night.
Say your prayers.
I will.
Hey.
Hey.
So how'd it go?
OK, I guess.
She agreed to go to
the party tomorrow.
Well, that's great.
Yeah.
Our little
girl is so brave.
Yeah, she is.
We're really
lucky to have her.
Yeah, we are.
Yeah.
Do you remember all those
years of trying to have a baby?
Mm-hmm.
She
was worth the wait.
Yeah, she was.
I just want her to be happy,
you know, not so lonely.
Well, she is happy.
Yeah?
Yeah, and I think the
loneliness will go away.
I really do.
I hope you're right.
So do I.
I pray every day that
she'll find a new friend soon.
Me, too.
You know I love you, right?
Yeah.
I love you, too.
Oh, hi.
Welcome.
This is for Claire.
Oh, sweet.
It's heavy.
Go ahead.
Enjoy.
Have fun.
Nice to see you again.
Nice to see you, too.
Oh!
If it isn't the Simmons family.
Timmons.
Oh, yeah, right.
So glad you guys could be here.
Welcome.
I'm so sorry we're late.
No, it's fine.
We just started dinner.
Dave is making his
famous barbecue brisket.
Of course, we've got hamburgers
and hot dogs for the kiddos,
of course.
Help yourselves.
Sounds good.
Thank you.
Yeah, of course.
This is for Claire.
Oh.
Well.
You know, all
the kids are over there playing.
They just started
hitting the piata.
Why don't you go and join them?
Oh.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I-- I didn't realize that
you couldn't with your, um--
I'm sorry, with what?
Oh, I just mean, uh,
with her crutches and all.
Oh, she's perfectly capable
of hitting a piata, Angela.
Mm-hmm.
Great.
Well, you guys have a good time.
Mi casa, su casa.
But not-- OK.
Smile.
I am smiling.
Uh-huh.
You want to go play
with the little kids?
I'm going to go talk
to Mrs. Sanders instead.
OK.
We'll be over here.
OK.
Should we go with her?
Nah, give her a few minutes.
She needs to try
this on her own.
OK.
Just hurts my little
heart to watch, you know?
Yeah, mine, too.
We're not always going to be
there to save her, though.
Ah, Pastor Newsome.
Go say hi.
Look at her miss.
Oh, brother.
Look who showed up.
Don't talk to her
unless my mom is around.
I don't want to get in trouble.
She says we need to look
good in front of everybody.
Why can't we talk to her?
Duh, isn't it obvious?
Not really.
She's not one of us.
She's embarrassing.
You don't want to be
seen with her, trust me.
Give me that.
It's my turn.
Pastor.
Tod.
Melanie.
Hi.
Hello.
Hey, where's that adorable
daughter of yours?
Oh, she's over
talking to Mrs. Sanders.
Oh.
How's
she doing, anyway?
Uh, I mean, to be
honest, it's been
a pretty rough summer on her.
Yeah, the kids
in the neighborhood
and at church, they're just
mean sometimes, you know?
Yeah.
We're actually not
that happy about it.
Well, I think I'd
probably feel the same way
if I was in your shoes.
Annie's an angel.
We can't tolerate
this kind of stuff.
Maybe I should incorporate a
little come-to-Jesus moment
in my sermon on Sunday.
Oh.
Uh, no.
I don't really think
that's necessary.
I mean, we don't want to
call anybody out or anything.
Yeah, yeah.
Well, some people,
especially kids,
need to be told that there--
there's something about the
Christ-like love and humility
that they need to see.
Well, we trust you.
Yeah.
Yeah?
I'll think about it.
OK.
You want to get
something to eat?
Uh, no, we're
not really hungry.
Fine.
You want to sit for a while?
- Sure.
- Yeah.
Thank you.
Come.
Hello, cutie pie.
Hi, Mrs. Sanders.
How are you doing, huh?
Good.
I've missed you.
I missed you, too.
Are you having a good time?
No.
What?
Seriously?
Yeah, I'm not
having fun at all.
Well, how come
you don't go over
there and take a whack at that
piata with those other kids?
Because most of
the kids are mean.
They are?
Mm-hmm.
Hm.
That doesn't make me very happy.
Maybe there's something
we can do about it.
What do you think?
Let's not.
Let's think about it for a few
minutes, and then we'll decide.
Here's a burger, and
here's some chicken.
World-class, same
with the sauce.
My own recipe.
Looks really good.
That took me years to perfect.
Family secret.
And I've had offers to
buy it for a ton of money,
but I won't budge.
I can see why.
It looks delicious.
So where are you guys from?
We just moved here from Idaho.
And that's our daughter,
Jordan, over there.
Oh, yeah, she's talking
to my daughter, Claire.
Now, she's the best dancer
and cheerleader in her age
bracket in the state, bar none.
Wow, I'm impressed.
They start them young.
It just comes natural to her.
Anyway, what do you do?
Lawn care.
I'm trying to pick
up more clients,
since I'm new to the area.
I'll let you mow my lawn.
We'll talk numbers later.
I'm in real estate--
k*lling it, even
in this economy.
This house is just temporary.
Bought it to flip it.
Got my eyes set on a nice piece
of property in Cove Hills,
where we're going to build.
It's where a lot of the
professional athletes live.
Good for you.
It sounds like your dream home.
Yeah, for now.
Hey, you two should, uh, just
go find a chair and go mingle.
Enjoy.
Swing again.
Swing again.
Excuse us.
We're coming through.
Move over, kids.
It is Annie's turn.
All of you kids have had enough.
Let's go, Stew.
Stew, Stew.
Thank you very much, dear.
Thank you, thank you.
But, Mrs--
OK, get up here, sweetheart.
OK, get your balance.
Can you do it?
Come on, you can do it.
Give it a good one.
That's OK.
Try again.
Whoa--
whoa.
Excuse me.
Stop your laughing.
Stop your laughing right now.
Do you think this is funny?
Yeah, it's really funny.
I'm ashamed of you.
Every single one of you.
Yeah, you guys are cruel and
mean, especially you, Claire.
I don't think I can ever be
friends with someone like you!
Hi.
Hi.
Can I sit by you?
You want to sit by me?
Sure, if you want to.
I'm Jordan.
Hi, I'm Annie.
Those kids are so mean.
Yeah, they are.
But I forgive them.
Really?
Yeah.
Well, then you're
a better person
than me 'cause I don't want to
be friends with any of them.
Me neither.
I like nice people,
not mean people,
and you seem really nice.
I just moved here.
Maybe we could be friends?
I'd like that.
What kind of things
do you like to do?
I like to read books.
No way.
Me, too.
What books do you like to read?
Mostly fantasy stuff about
princesses and dragons.
I like mysteries.
Fun.
Some people
were just born to be friends.
That's the way it
was with Annie and I
from the very first
moment we met.
This is our story--
the ups and the downs,
the highs and the lows,
but most importantly, the
great joy and blessings that
come with having a best friend.
Annie, over here.
Annie.
Daddy, can we sit over there?
Sure.
Nice to see you again.
You, too.
Tod.
Nice to officially meet you.
I wanted to say thank
you again for sticking
up for Annie yesterday.
The honor was all mine.
Good afternoon.
For those of you who don't
know, I'm Pastor Newsome,
and I'd like to
welcome everyone,
especially our newcomers,
to our Sunday services.
Each one of you is important not
only to me and our little flock
but, more importantly,
to our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ, who knows and
loves each and every one
of you, flaws and all.
And make no mistake about it.
We're all flawed, and we
desperately need His help.
Don't we all look nice today?
But He does not look upon
our outward appearance.
He looks upon the heart.
Yes, He does.
He-- I'm-- I'm going to
take a little sidetrack from
my prepared sermon
because there's something
that's been tugging at my heart,
and I think it needs to be said.
As I said, we're--
we're all sinners,
and we need to repent.
But there are times in our
lives when we need to be
called out for repentance.
Any bigotry or wrongfully
judging of another
is a flat-out sin.
I want you to look
around this room.
Are there any
neighbors that you have
not loved or wrongfully judged?
Wrongfully judging,
that is a violation
of one of our Commandments.
Thou shalt not
bear false witness.
And that includes
no backstabbing,
gossiping, being unkind, picking
on, making fun of, or bullying--
and lying in any
manner, shape, or form.
It just simply comes down to
this, brothers and sisters.
It's the golden rule.
Do unto others as you would
have them do unto you.
Be kind.
Be caring.
Be accepting.
We are a light on a
shining hill and need
to be a Christ-like
example for all to see.
And if you are not, or you have
not been, you need to do better.
We all need to do better.
And with that, I'll get
back to my prepared sermon.
In Hebrews 4:12, it
reads, "For the word
of God is living
and active, sharper
than any double-edged sword."
We live in a world
built on sand.
Society is rapidly changing,
and the truth is getting lost
in a storm of competing voices.
Now, more than ever,
we need to anchor
ourselves in the eternal word of
God in our conflicted culture.
Thank you, Pastor.
It was a very powerful sermon.
No, thank you.
Your words are
greatly appreciated.
We'll be back.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
We needed this
more than you know.
Thank you.
Thank you, Pastor Newsome.
Thank you.
Your words meant
so much to us.
Thank you.
Well, they needed to be said.
And how are you
feeling today, Annie?
Good.
This is my new friend, Jordan.
Best friend.
Right, best friend.
Well, I couldn't be
happier for the both of you.
Let's go play Jordan.
Oh.
Jill and Tommy, it's so
good to see you again.
I'm glad you made it.
So are we.
Thanks for inviting us.
No, thank you.
You are a breath of fresh air.
And I think Jordan is an
answer to many of our prayers
on behalf of Annie.
We'll see you next week.
Looking forward to it.
You take care.
She is the answer
to our prayers.
We are so fortunate.
No, we're the lucky ones.
We've never met anybody
quite like Annie.
I think she's one of the
sweetest people I've ever met.
Yeah, and
I'm sure the apple
doesn't fall far from the tree.
Well, thank you.
Hey, if you guys
are hungry, I make
a mean pot roast on Sundays.
We'd love to have
you over for dinner.
We'll be there.
Great.
Why don't you come
over around 3 o'clock?
Can we bring anything?
No, we've got
it covered, right?
Yeah.
Thank you.
We'll see you soon.
Bye, Jordan.
That was
the best summer of my life.
Looking back, everything
was so simple, so pure.
Annie and I did
everything together.
Let's dig in.
My parents
even got to be great friends,
which was just fine with us.
It meant we got to spend
more time together.
We read books.
We played on the swings.
We went to church every
Sunday, and our families
got closer and closer.
One of our favorite
things to do was
walk to the store
all by ourselves
and load up on junk food.
Mrs. Sanders was always
there when we needed her.
She kind of took
us under her wing.
We had tea parties--
lots of tea parties with
cucumber sandwiches.
She made us feel important.
We got to know most of the
people in the neighborhood.
What?
Nothing.
That's what I thought.
Now, keep walking.
No one cares what
you have to say.
Go around us.
I stood up for Annie
when the other kids tried to
make fun of her or bully her.
You know who you are,
and to be honest,
it felt really good
giving some of you
a taste of your own medicine.
- push herself.
Like
it's a baby pushing
the other baby on a swing.
What did you say?
You're going to
make fun of a girl?
A girl?
She's not a girl.
More like a thing.
That's not funny.
Now, get out of here
before I go over there
and do something about it.
Definitely.
I
think it's safe to say
that we became the best
friends anybody ever had.
Every year, it just got
better, and before we knew it,
we were in our senior year
in high school together.
All right,
everybody, listen up.
Quiet.
You will have 45 minutes
exactly to complete your exam.
And remember, this score counts
for 30% of your final grade,
so I hope you studied
over the weekend.
Now, I need to step outside
for just a few minutes
to get some supplies.
Eyes on your own papers.
And, Annie, if anybody
gets out of line,
would you be sure and tell me?
OK, pencils up.
Turn your papers over.
And you may begin.
Teacher's pet.
Mind your own
business, Claire.
Yeah, how about I
do whatever I want?
Come on, Annie,
what's the big deal?
Let us see your answers.
Yeah, get them over, pronto.
No.
You heard Mrs. Dean.
There's no cheating.
It's more like
we're temporarily
borrowing your knowledge.
We'll make sure to study later.
And it's not cheating at all.
That's a good one.
No, it's not.
That-- that might be the dumbest
thing I've ever heard of.
Come on, brainiac.
We don't get good grades,
we're off the team.
And we might not even graduate.
It's not my problem.
You should've studied.
Look, I'm not going
to ask you again.
Let us see your answers,
you freaking gimp.
Wow, Stew, you actually
just called her a gimp?
Yeah.
I mean, look at her.
She's one step away from
riding the short bus.
That's enough.
Don't push me, Stew.
I mean it.
Come on, man, just
leave her alone.
How about you shut up
and look at your paper
before I slap the taste
out of your mouth?
All right.
What are you going
to do about it?
Or I'll come over there
and smash your face in.
Oh, no.
You and what, Annie?
No, no Annie.
Just me.
I'm laughing in your face
right now because you're a joke.
Besides, I never hit a girl.
No, but you'd break her
heart and make fun of her
like you always have, Stew.
Words hurt.
It's OK, Jordan.
Just ignore him.
I'm used to it.
No, I'm not going to let
him get away with this,
and neither should you.
Yeah, she's right.
Why don't you stick up
for yourself, Annie?
Because you're both a
complete waste of time.
You're not even worth the
breath it would take for me
to tell you about yourselves.
You treat people like garbage.
No, only you.
Nobody likes you in this
school except for Jordan.
It's not true.
You have got to be kidding me.
Let her speak for herself.
Like I said before, Claire,
mind your own business.
Nobody's talking to you.
I don't know what
you see in her, anyway.
You have no life.
All you ever do is hang
out with that loser.
Seriously, Claire?
This is getting old.
She's harmless.
Shut up, Tawny.
No one asked.
She's dragging you
down, you know?
You have so much potential,
but you can't even see it.
She's not a loser.
Say it again and
see what happens.
No.
No, maybe she's right.
Maybe all of you have been
right about me all along.
I am dragging you down.
Annie, that's not true.
Don't listen to them.
Wow, I am impressed.
Thanks for holding
down the fort, Annie.
You just got a few minutes
left, so use them wisely.
Everything was so great.
We stood by each other's
sides, no matter what.
But then things
started to change,
and mostly because of me.
Sorry, Annie.
It's OK.
It's not true.
I wish I could
go back and stop everything
that happened, but I can't.
I can only learn
from my mistakes
and remind everyone
what a terrible thing
I did to someone I love.
Hey, there.
Keep walking.
Get me?
Keep walking.
Hey.
What was that all
about back there?
I don't know what
you're talking about.
All that nonsense about
you dragging me down.
Sometimes, I think I am.
Like-- like, you're afraid
you're going to leave
me behind or something.
I would never
leave you behind.
You never know.
I just-- I don't want to ever
stop you from doing the things
that you want to do.
Like what?
I don't know, lots of things.
I know cheerleading is something
that you've always wanted to do.
Maybe if it wasn't a bunch
of stuck-up snobs like Claire
who always make the team.
Doesn't matter.
You'd be good.
You really should try out.
I-- I got to get to class.
See you later?
Yeah.
All right,
see you guys later.
Bye.
- See you guys later.
She's right, you know?
You should totally try out.
I'm serious.
I think you'd be good.
Plus, we could always
use another pretty girl
that's coordinated.
Just think about it, OK?
How was school?
It was OK.
Yeah?
I just can't believe
you're a senior this year.
Time is flying.
Mm-hmm.
You and Jordan have any
fun plans this weekend?
No.
Can I be excused?
Well, yeah, but you've
barely eaten anything, honey.
I'm not-- not very hungry.
Hm.
Got a bunch of homework today?
Something like that, yeah.
Hm.
Yeah.
I'll just be in my room.
What is going on?
I wish I knew.
Maybe you should
go talk to her.
OK.
Come in.
Hey.
Mind if I sit down?
You want to talk about it?
Not really.
You wouldn't understand.
I know that look.
But I haven't seen it since
you were a little girl.
I think I'm losing Jordan.
What do you mean
you're losing Jordan?
I knew you
wouldn't understand.
It's just-- it's just
something I feel.
OK, well, help me understand.
Why do you feel like
you're losing Jordan?
Because I'm holding her back.
Holding her back from what?
Doing what she's always been
wanting to do for a long time
now, like being on
the cheerleading
team, making new friends.
I'll never
be a cheerleader, Dad.
I think you can do
anything you want to do.
And you are so much
more than that.
You are the best friend
and the best daughter
anyone could ever ask for.
Everything's going
to be all right.
I can feel it.
OK?
As
it turns out, many of you
know I did try out for the
cheerleading squad after all.
And even though it
was hard for Annie,
thinking she might
lose her only friend
to a world she was not included
in, she supported me 100%.
That was so good!
Yo, the routine's so good.
Congrats.
Thank you!
You're so good.
Thank you.
So did you.
Jordan.
Hey, welcome to the team.
Oh, thank you.
I'm really excited to be here.
You'd make a good fit.
Stay there.
Oh.
Hi.
Congratulations!
You made it.
Thanks.
I was really nervous.
No, you looked
great out there.
I'm really happy
for you, Jordan.
Are you sure?
Of course, I'm sure.
You worked so hard, and you're
finally doing some of the things
you've always wanted to do.
Well, I couldn't have done
it without your support.
I don't know how much
of a support I've been.
I've-- I've pretty much
just been on the sidelines,
like I always am.
You've always
been there for me.
I love you for that.
I really do.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Everything's fine.
I'm just-- I'm
really happy for you.
Thanks, Annie.
You're good.
Hey, you coming?
Yeah.
Where are we going?
To grab frozen yogurt.
It's a tradition with
all the new cheerleaders.
Yeah.
Uh, yeah, do you want to come?
Um.
Uh, it-- it's actually kind
of a private celebration.
I'm so sorry.
It's OK.
I have a lot of stuff
to do today, anyway.
Are you sure? 'Cause if
you want to go do something,
I'll go with you.
No, I'm positive.
Go.
Have a good time.
OK.
You're the best.
I'll call you later?
- Yeah.
OK.
Bye.
Bye.
Ooh, frozen yogurt.
I hope you all
understand that this is not the
way I wanted things to happen.
I didn't mean for Annie to
feel left out and alone.
I really didn't.
But finding some popularity
and having people pay attention
to me was really intoxicating.
Truth is, at the end of the
day, it's all just a mirage.
Annie was my only
true friend all along.
I don't even
get nervous anymore.
I feel like I'm
so nervous for it.
You'll get
used to it, I promise.
It gets so much--
One thing we should
always remember--
that when we're feeling
loneliness, and we're all alone,
and you feel like
everyone has deserted you,
you need to remember,
in 1 Peter 5:7,
"Cast all your anxieties on
Him because He cares for you,"
and Psalm 147:3--
Annie.
Oh, hold on just a second.
Um, wait, where are you going?
We have practice.
Just want to say hi
to Annie really quick.
Seriously?
Yeah.
She's still my friend, Claire.
Whatever.
She's such a downer.
No one wants to be
friends with her, anyway.
Show a little
compassion for once, jeez.
I'll be right back.
Hey, Annie.
You're not going to talk to me?
I've tried talking
to you, Jordan.
That's not true.
It is true.
You completely
ignore me in school
and at church all the time.
You never return any
of my phone calls
or answer my text messages.
I'm sorry, I've just been
really, really busy lately.
I know.
You're hanging out with
Claire all the time.
You don't have time for
us little people anymore.
Don't say that.
You've become just
like all of them, and you
promised me you wouldn't.
Well, what do you
want me to do, Annie?
Spend all my time
hanging out with you
and do absolutely
nothing with my life?
No, that's
not what I want.
I think you do.
You're not happy
unless everyone else is
just as miserable as you are.
This is your fault, not mine.
I'm sorry.
Yeah.
Yeah, you are, actually.
I don't need this kind of
negativity in my life, so--
I said I'm sorry.
You're right,
she's a total downer.
I told you.
Watch out.
You might catch a virus.
Right, she still has cooties.
[laughs] Join
the circus, you freak.
Do you need WD-40
for those crutches?
You think we'll be
going late again tonight?
Probably, like,
20, 30 minutes.
Like usual.
All right, ladies,
ready to begin?
You should be warmed up by now.
Let's get started.
So
all the team clap.
All then stomp wants to go left.
They're going to be
right back to the front.
You look great.
When you step forward--
- Hey.
- raise your arms.
What are you doing?
Isn't that Jordan's phone?
Oh, yeah, I left mine at
home, so she said I could
just use hers to text my mom.
OK, well, let's get going.
Come on.
We've started.
We got to be
perfecting our routine.
Forward and
seat drop, bring it back.
Let's go again.
Here we go.
Clap, stomp, left,
forward, bend, up.
Hey, hon, how was school?
Did you
have a good day?
It's fine, Dad.
You OK?
I'm fine, OK?
All right.
Let me help you.
I got it.
Grab my hand.
I got it, Dad.
All right.
Hey, you sure you're OK?
I don't want to
talk about it, OK?
It's not going to
change anything.
Haven't seen you and Jordan
hanging out much lately.
Is that it?
Yeah, of course, that's it.
Stupid question.
I'm sorry, honey.
It's not your fault, OK?
None of my problems
are yours or Mom's
fault. God made me like this.
Like what?
A person that nobody
wants to be friends with.
I know what I need to do.
What is that
supposed to mean?
Annie, you're
scaring me right now.
Just take me home, please.
I love you, sweetheart,
with all of my heart.
You matter to me--
and to mom, to God,
and to so many others.
Never forget that.
This, too, shall pass.
You hear me?
Just take me home.
People can be so cruel.
I just wish that
Annie could have seen
her true value despite
what she thought Claire
or myself thought of her.
But we're conditioned to
base our self-worth on what
others think of
us, even if they're
not worthy of such adoration.
I can't imagine how utterly
devastated and hopeless Annie
felt that day.
We truly are our
brother's keeper,
or in this case,
our sister's keeper,
but we failed miserably,
especially me.
Break.
Ready.
Ow!
Oh.
Jordan, are you OK?
What happened?
What happened?
Are you OK?
Let's make room.
Are you all right?
Can you get up?
All right, we're going
take you over to the side.
- OK.
- All right, ladies, make room.
Make room.
Thank you.
Continue the routine, all right?
I've got this under control.
OK?
Mm-hmm.
Adjust your pace.
It'll be OK.
All right, here we are.
OK.
OK.
Have a seat.
Ow.
OK, all right, let
me take a look, OK?
Oh.
It's tender?
Yeah.
Maybe shin splints, but
I want that looked at, OK?
Mm-hmm.
You take the rest
of the afternoon off.
I'm going to go grab
you some ice, OK?
Thanks.
Jordan, there's one more
thing I wanted to ask you.
Sure.
What's up?
Did you, um-- did you tell
Claire she could borrow
your phone to text her mom?
No.
Why?
I don't know yet.
I'll let you know when
I figure it out, OK?
Be right back.
Oh, hey, honey.
Hey, Mom.
How was school?
It was fine.
What happened?
I don't know, Mel.
Something's going on with her.
Yeah, I have
noticed that things
have been different lately.
Yeah.
It worries me.
Think I might go
talk to Pastor Newsome,
get some counsel.
Yeah, he's been
through this before.
OK.
I don't know, see if
you can get her to talk.
I'll be home before dinner.
OK.
I love you.
Love you, too.
Annie?
You OK, honey?
I'm fine, Mom.
I just want to be
alone for a while.
I'm making your
favorite for dinner.
We're having Hawaiian food
and hot fudge sundaes.
Does that sound good?
That sounds great, Mom.
I'll be out in a little bit.
OK.
I love you.
Love you too, Mom.
It makes me
sick to think about all the hate
we spew from texts,
cyberbullying,
or even directly
to people's faces.
Annie didn't
deserve any of this,
yet she felt worthless and
alone that the world would
be better off without her.
If she only knew how loved
and important she really was,
this terrible tragedy
could have been avoided.
So what makes
you think she would
even consider harming herself?
I don't know.
She just hasn't been
acting herself lately,
and it was something she said.
It was a sadness and
finality in her voice
I've never heard before.
Well, I take the
potential threat of any suicide
very seriously.
That's why I'm here.
We don't know what to do.
She won't talk to us.
Annie always talks to us.
I've noticed she doesn't
talk to Jordan anymore,
and Jordan has buddied
up with Claire.
Do you think that has
anything to do with it?
It could be a big part of it.
Jordan is the on--
only real friend
Annie's ever had.
I don't know.
Oh, yeah.
I-- as a pastor, uh, I
shouldn't say-- say it.
I shouldn't even think it.
But, uh, I've never
trusted Claire.
Something's going on.
I agree.
Something isn't right.
Would you mind if I
came over and talk to her?
I was hoping you'd say that.
That's what I'm here for.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Hey, honey.
Hey.
- How's everything going?
- Oh, good.
- I brought over the pastor.
Pastor.
Thank you for coming.
Tod and I have been talking,
and Tod thinks it might be
a good idea if I talk to Annie?
That, that would be wonderful.
She's actually still
in the bathroom.
She said she would
come out for dinner.
I have not heard from her, so
I am going to go check on her.
Please join us for
dinner, Pastor.
I will-- I'll be--
Great, great.
OK.
Annie?
Dinner's ready.
Annie.
Annie, answer me.
Annie!
Annie, open the door.
Tod!
Annie,
open the door, honey.
Annie.
Annie, open the
door right now!
Annie!
Annie!
Oh, god.
Annie!
OK, come on, guys,
this way, quick.
We'll be right behind you.
I can't
imagine having to find
your daughter like that.
I'm so sorry.
I'm so very sorry.
Please be OK.
Please.
Please.
Mommy's right here, baby.
Please be OK.
Human beings can only
take so much before they break.
Mom's right here, baby.
We all
would have felt hopeless
and alone had we walked
in Annie's shoes.
Please don't leave, OK?
I
take full responsibility
for my part in what
happened to Annie that day.
All right?
That text was
simply too much for her
tender heart to take.
It'll be all right.
It sent her
over the edge into a dark abyss.
Words matter.
Mom's right here.
Look, she was breathing.
That-- that's a good sign.
That's
a very good sign.
I don't know
if she's going to be OK.
And I need to know that
she's going to be OK.
Is she going to be OK?
She has to be OK.
Is she going to
be OK with God?
Well?
Is she going to be OK?
Your daughter is
in stable condition.
She's going to be fine.
God is good.
Amen.
We treated
her with Narcan, which
blocked the effects of
the drugs on her brain
and also restored her breathing.
We also used activated charcoal
to prevent further absorption
of these drugs into her system.
We did identify a significant
amount of hydrocodone
in her system.
Any idea why she would have
had access to that drug?
Yeah, I had a work
injury a few months back
and didn't throw away the
bottle when I was done.
Well, she's fortunate
you found her when you did.
We'd like to keep her here for
a few more days for testing
and psychological evaluation.
You're welcome to
go back and see her.
She's recovering.
She's a bit groggy,
but she's awake.
Thank you, Doctor.
OK.
I'm just going to be
right here if you need me.
Dr. Bruce,
telephone, please.
Right here.
This way.
Hi.
Hi, sweetie.
I'm sorry.
Baby, no, it's OK.
It's OK.
We are going to get
through this together,
and we love you so much, OK?
You gave us a real
scare there, kiddo.
The only thing that matters
is that you are here with us
now, OK?
You can do this.
That's right.
Is there anything
we can do for you?
I just want to go home.
Uh, the doctors want to
keep you here for a few days,
you know, just to be safe.
OK.
Um, did you bring my
leg braces and crutches
so I can get around, and--
and my phone?
Um, no, I think we
left those at the house.
Uh, but I can ask Pastor Newsome
to swing by and grab them.
I need somebody to
go feed Kai, anyway.
You should get some rest.
I'm kind of hungry.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Let me go see
what they've got.
Any requests?
French fries and ketchup?
You got it.
We really do love you, Annie.
You are everything to us.
OK.
Thank you.
I'll be right back.
OK.
Oh, baby.
I love you.
How's she doing?
Considering
everything she's been through?
I think she's doing OK.
Is there anything I can
do for you and the family?
I was hoping you could swing
by my house and feed Kai for me.
Not a problem.
His food's in a plastic
bin in the kitchen.
Just give him two scoops
and top off his water.
You got it.
Oh, and, uh, if you
don't mind grabbing
Annie's leg braces,
crutches, and if you
happen to see her cell phone.
The key's on the porch,
under the planter.
Be back in a jiffy.
Thank you, Pastor Newsome.
Your support means so much.
Anything you need,
anytime, I'll be there.
I mean that.
I don't know, Claire.
I think I was
really harsh on her.
She doesn't deserve that.
She's been my best
friend since I was eight,
and I don't want that to
change just because I'm
on the cheerleading team.
No, I get it, but just
because she's a cr*pple
doesn't give her the right
to act like a total jerk.
I mean, she's
been purposely holding
you back all these years.
It's pretty selfish,
if you ask me.
She's never been
selfish, Claire.
And don't call her a cr*pple.
That's a really
mean thing to say.
No need to get all defensive.
I'm just saying, she
needs to know her place.
Her place?
What, like she's an
animal or something?
I never said that.
You're putting
words in my mouth.
Look, I got to go.
Coach is calling.
Whatever.
Just call me back when you're
not acting all high and mighty,
all right?
Whatever.
Hey, Coach.
Hey, Jordan.
I was just calling
to check up on you.
How's your leg?
I think it's getting worse.
I'm, uh, wrapping it now.
Well, that's concerning.
I'm hoping it's not a fracture.
I've made you an
appointment with a really
good orthopedic surgeon
first thing tomorrow morning.
I'll text you the address.
OK, uh, yeah, I'll
let my parents know.
Let me know how it goes.
I will.
Thanks, Coach.
Bye now.
Yeah, you're
ready, aren't you, huh?
I don't blame you.
It's been a while
since you've eaten.
That's my little girl.
We treated her good.
I know.
I'm sorry, Tod.
I never thought
in a million years
Jordan would ever do
anything like this.
It wasn't like I
tried to read it.
I'd-- I would never
snoop at anyone's phone.
I just picked it up,
and it popped up.
It was like I was
meant to see it.
Nah.
I'm glad you did.
If you want, I'll go talk to
Jordan and her parents tonight.
Better you than me.
I don't-- I don't
want to see her again.
Well, like I said,
I'll go see them tonight,
and let me know if there's
anything else I can do.
I will.
OK.
Thank you, Pastor.
How are those fries?
They're good.
Dr. Bruce,
telephone, please.
Dr. Bruce, telephone, please.
Hey, Dad.
Hey.
Here you go.
Thanks.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
I'm fine.
You don't look fine.
I, uh--
I saw the message on
your phone, Annie.
You were looking
through my phone?
No, Pastor Newsome said,
when he picked up the phone,
the screen came on,
and I'm glad he saw it.
What message?
Does somebody wanna
clue me in here?
Show her.
I am really sorry you had to go
through this all on your own.
I wish that we knew.
Like I said, none of this
is yours or Mom's fault.
I have to figure
this out on my own.
You are not alone.
No.
But I'm the one that
has to forgive Jordan.
And myself, somehow.
I tried to take
my own life, Dad.
That's a terrible sin.
God loves you, Annie.
He loves you and is
always willing to forgive.
You just have to ask.
I'm going to go
talk to your mother.
You are still my hero.
Be right back.
Please.
Please forgive me.
I am so angry right now.
So am I, Mel.
But somehow, we both need
to learn how to forgive.
This
isn't like you, Jordan.
Bullying is very serious
and can't be taken lightly.
I know.
But I didn't send that
text message, I promise.
I
want to believe you.
I really do.
But that text message
was sent from your phone.
I saw it with my own eyes.
There's a lot at stake here.
You could not only
lose your scholarship,
but you could be
charged with a crime.
And telling someone
that the world would
be better off without them?
It doesn't get any
crueler than that.
I could never
send that message to anyone,
especially Annie.
But no matter what,
I'm a part of it.
Even if I didn't send that
text, I still feel responsible,
and I'm so sorry.
Well, I'm glad you're
willing to take responsibility.
But what you need to
realize is that text deeply
wounded another human being--
someone who's been
your very best friend
for a very long time, who's been
loyal to you, and good to you.
Friends like that
are hard to find.
Annie's in the hospital.
She is?
Yes.
She-- she tried to
take her own life.
Oh, no.
Poor Annie, I'm so sorry.
She's--
she's going to be OK, but--
but we need to get to the bottom
of this and set things right.
How?
I'll do anything.
Well, for starters,
you could apologize
to Annie and her family.
Of course.
It's the right thing to do.
Yeah.
I think it's the bare minimum.
I really didn't
send that text.
From what you've told me,
and for what it's worth,
I believe you're
telling the truth.
Well, I better get going.
We're glad you came.
Let us know if there's
anything we can do.
I will, but right
now, I'm going
to do a little
investigating and see
if I can find out how that text
got sent from Jordan's phone.
I think I might know.
You do?
My cheerleading
coach, Mrs. Ellis,
asked me a strange question
earlier today at practice.
What'd she say?
She asked if I let Claire
use my phone to text her mom.
Well, I'm going
to look into that.
Oh, one more thing, Jordan.
You're a really good person.
And bullying of any
kind is unacceptable.
And the next time you
see anyone engaging
in that kind of despicable
behavior, you stand up to them.
You be the kind of
leader we know you are.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, yeah.
Uh-huh, yeah.
Sock?
Yep.
Toothpaste, toothbrush, socks.
I think I got everything.
What's wrong?
I'm just worried
this is going to happen again.
It's not
going to happen again.
It's not.
We're going to get her
the help that she needs.
You'll never
believe who's here.
What?
Jordan.
Why is she there?
I don't know.
OK,
uh, take a deep breath.
Stay close to Annie.
I'll be there soon.
OK.
I'll call you back.
I'm on my way.
Hi, Mrs. Timmons.
I don't even know why
you're here, Jordan.
I've made a terrible mistake.
I'll go.
You didn't answer my question.
Why are you here?
Dr. Blair, Dr. Blair.
Dr. Jay Hamilton,
Dr. Jay Hamilton.
I'm here because I need to
apologize for what I've done.
Did you even realize the
magnitude of what you've done?
I was cruel to someone
who's been good to me.
Cruel?
Cruel only scratches
the surface.
Annie almost died
because of you.
I'm sorry.
You're damn
right, you're sorry.
You're a sorry
excuse for a friend.
I am.
I-- I really am.
You don't understand.
No, I don't.
I don't understand
how you could do that
to another human
being, especially
someone who is so good to you!
We opened our home and
our hearts to you, Jordan.
Please forgive me.
You're
going to have to ask
Annie for forgiveness
before I will
even give you the time of day.
I feel sick even looking
at you right now.
Do you understand that?
Do you understand
what that's like?
You go
do what you have to do.
But when I get back here, I
do not want to see you here.
Dr. Bruce,
telephone, please.
Dr. Bruce, telephone, please.
Hey.
Why are you here?
I'm here because I'm
really sorry for everything
that happened.
The only reason
you're sorry is
because you probably
got in trouble,
and your parents made you come.
No.
No, I'm here because
I want to be.
I don't care what happens to me.
Whatever it is, I deserve it
for turning my back on you.
You're a cruel person, Jordan.
You were my best friend.
I trusted you with my life.
I've always treated you kind.
You have.
I've never had a
friend like you, Annie.
You don't deserve
a friend like me.
No, I don't.
What happened, anyway?
Why'd you turn against me?
Do I embarrass you?
Am I ugly?
What?
I-- I don't know
what happened.
I got selfish and prideful.
And I have no excuse.
I just wanted to let
you know how sorry I am.
What I did was so
wrong on every level.
I'll make it up to you, even
if it takes me a million years.
I already forgave you.
You did?
Yeah.
I can't hold that kind
of hate in my heart.
I don't know if I can ever
be friends with you again,
but I forgive you.
That's more than I deserve.
And for what it's
worth, I didn't
send you that text message.
Then who did?
I have my suspicions.
Uh, but I--
I don't want to say anything
until I know for sure.
Either way, I was wrong.
And I pray that we can be
best friends again someday.
You are so important
to me, Annie.
Jordan.
What's wrong with your leg?
Oh, um, I'm not sure yet.
I think I injured
at cheerleading.
I go to the doctors
right after this.
Thank you for stopping by.
That took a lot of courage.
Just give me some time.
Maybe things will be
different someday.
Hopefully sooner than later.
I wonder why
we don't apologize more often.
It's so healing for
everyone involved.
Or at least it starts
the healing process.
Maybe it's that we
don't even recognize
that our words and actions
caused another person pain.
I think that's what hell is--
realizing that what we said or
did brought sorrow to another.
How long have you had
this lump on your leg?
Um, I noticed it
for a few weeks.
Um, it's been hurting
for a few months, though.
Hm.
I thought it was getting
worse because of cheerleading.
What is it?
Well, I'm not entirely sure.
It could be any
number of things.
But that could be a tumor.
A tumor?
Is it cancer?
Oh, no, no, I didn't say that.
And I don't want either
one of you to panic, OK?
If it is a tumor, uh,
it's probably benign,
which is most likely the case.
What does that mean?
That would mean noncancerous.
But you know what,
I'd like to be sure.
So let's run some
blood work, and
if that gives us
any cause for alarm,
then I'll arrange for a biopsy.
And I'd like to do that
blood work today, all right?
I'll be right back.
It's OK.
You've been through a lot today.
Just let it go.
There's no
reason to deny it.
I personally saw you do it.
It was you who sent that text
to Annie from Jordan's phone.
We have proof.
The school cameras,
they caught everything.
OK, but I didn't mean
for it to go that far.
It doesn't matter!
If you are charged,
it could be a felony.
That could change the
course of your entire life.
I'm sorry.
Not only did you send the
message, but you lied about it.
And then you were
perfectly willing to let
Jordan take the blame.
You've been bullying Annie
since you were little girls.
Why, Claire?
I don't know.
She's just so--
she's so different.
Oh, wow.
Wow.
Because she's different?
That's what makes each one
of us special in God's eyes.
What a horrible excuse.
I said I'm sorry.
What else do you want me to do?
You need to ask Annie and
God for forgiveness, not me.
I'll pray for you, Claire.
I hope you find some
peace in your heart.
I really do.
Think I'm done here.
Thank you for your time.
What happens now?
Well, I'm going to call your
parents and then the police.
Am I off the team?
Yeah.
She admitted it?
Right there in front of me,
and your coach is a witness.
She's in a lot of
trouble, to say the least.
I feel so bad for Jordan now.
I do, too.
I was so mean to her earlier.
Oh, honey, you didn't know.
I'm sure she understands.
What matters most is the truth
is out there in the open now.
And I heard you two
had a good talk.
Yeah, she stopped by and
apologized, and I forgave her.
Even before you
knew the truth?
Yeah, I--
I guess so.
You truly are
an amazing person, Annie.
We could all learn from you.
Christ-like love and
forgiveness at its finest.
So proud of you.
I don't see what
the big deal is.
This is what teens do.
Yeah, she didn't
mean to cause any harm.
The big deal is Annie
tried to take her own life.
The text your daughter
sent, that was the straw
that broke the camel's back.
This kind of bullying behavior
has gone on for years.
I have seen how
Claire treats her.
Who are
you to be placing judgment?
You're a cheerleading coach.
Let me handle this.
I'm not going to stand here
and let you blame my daughter.
That girl's always had problems.
No one likes her.
Sir, you need to calm down.
No, I'm not
going to calm down.
This is my daughter
we're talking about.
I don't feel comfortable
with you in here anymore.
Well, that's
just too damn bad.
You're the one who
asked me to come
down here in the first place.
Last warning.
Lower your voice.
I'm calm.
We'll do a thorough
investigation on this.
If Annie and her parents
want to press charges,
you'll hear from the courts.
And you'll lose.
I'll countersue you
and this entire school
district for harassment.
You do what you have to do.
But, Dad, I did it.
I did--
I got this.
Wow, I have no words.
I don't have to deal with
this kind of disrespect.
This conversation is over.
You can all go home now.
Let's go.
Damn right, it's over.
Let's go.
This isn't over.
I'll talk to
Annie and her family
and see what they want to do.
Let me know if you
need anything else.
I will.
Thank you.
I should have believed you.
I'm really sorry, Jordan.
You
didn't do anything wrong.
This is my fault I'm
just glad it's over.
I learned my lesson.
I won't be cheerleading anymore.
But why?
It's what you love.
Not really.
It's not important to me.
You're important to me, Annie.
I really want to
still be friends.
Best friends?
Best friends, yeah.
I'll be home in a few days.
Maybe you can come
over for dinner?
Yeah, I would like that.
Talk soon?
Yeah, talk soon.
Bye, Annie.
Bye, Jordan.
So proud of you.
I'm scared.
I know.
But just remember
what the doctor said.
There's no need to worry.
It's probably nothing.
We'll get more information
from the biopsy tomorrow.
That sounded
like it went well.
Yeah, I got my
best friend back.
See?
I told you, everything's
going to be OK.
What kind of cancer?
Acute myeloid leukemia.
It's a fast-growing cancer
of the blood and bone marrow.
Our daughter has leukemia?
I'm afraid so.
And in Jordan's case, the
tumor is pretty far advanced.
Is it fatal?
It can be.
Listen, I'm going to be
very honest with all of you.
This particular type of
leukemia, it's extremely rare.
It has a survival rate of 24%.
So time is of the essence.
We need to make decisions.
And after consulting
with my colleagues,
our professional
opinion is that we take
a very aggressive approach.
What does that mean exactly?
It means Jordan's going to
need a bone marrow transplant.
It also means we
need to find a donor.
And from that donor, we'll
take healthy red blood cells.
We'll put them in
your bloodstream.
And from there,
they'll begin to grow.
They'll make new red blood
cells, new white blood
cells, and new platelets.
But before we can do
any of that, Jordan,
you're going to need to
undergo chemotherapy,
which will prepare
your body to receive
the bone marrow transplant.
Can one of us be a donor?
That's a
very good question.
Um, very often, a brother
or a sister or a parent
can be a suitable match.
I'll do it.
So will I.
OK.
And hopefully, one
of you is a match.
But being a family member
doesn't mean that's necessarily
the case, as donors and
patients are matched
by HLA and not by blood type.
When can we start?
No, we can actually
do it right now.
A simple cheek swab will let us
know if you're a suitable match.
I'll go set that up.
Thank you.
No, I-- I don't
want to press charges.
Are you sure?
What if she does this
again to somebody else?
I don't know.
Dad, it's just--
I feel like that
will only make things worse.
For you or for Claire?
Her.
I'll be fine.
I need to forgive
her and move on.
I don't think that she knows
how to be nice to people, maybe.
Maybe this will help her change.
I've got to say,
Annie, I've never
met someone quite like you.
I just want
everyone to be happy.
Well, I'll make a note
of this and be on my way.
You folks have a good day.
You as well.
Thank you.
Neither one of us are a match?
I'm sorry.
I really am.
But actually, it's
not that uncommon.
There are other ways
of finding a donor.
I can put Jordan
on a donor list,
and I can do that right away.
But honestly, the fastest
way is for you to reach out
to family and to friends,
to anybody who you think
might be willing to be a donor.
I'll be back in a few minutes.
Hey, Annie.
Hey, I just--
I wanted to say hi and
let you know that I'm
coming home a day early.
That's great.
I'm so happy for you.
Are you OK?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm fine.
How's your leg?
What did the doctor say?
I'm, uh, still waiting
to find out more details.
OK.
Well, let me know if I
can do anything to help.
I will.
Thanks, Annie.
Of course.
I'll see you soon?
Yeah, see you soon.
Bye.
All right, I got
everything all packed up.
You girls ready to go?
What's wrong?
I don't know.
I-- I just called
Jordan to let her
know that I'm coming home a day
early, but something seemed off.
I wouldn't worry
too much about it.
She was probably
just preoccupied.
I'm sure she's really
excited you're coming home.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Should we get going?
Let's hit the road.
All right, let's go home.
Annie, we're so
glad that you're back with us.
We love you with all our hearts.
You truly are irreplaceable.
But now we face another
mountain to climb.
And it requires a great faith.
Most of you are not
aware of this yet,
but Tommy and Jill
Monroe have given me
permission to share with you
some very somber news concerning
their daughter, Jordan.
She has been diagnosed with
leukemia, a life-threatening
cancer that requires
her to get a bone
marrow transplant very soon.
And unfortunately, neither
Jill nor Tommy are a match,
and they've asked
me to ask if you
would consider being a donor,
if anyone is willing to do that.
We might be their only hope.
So please, if you-- if you feel
like this is something that you
would consider doing,
get with me after church,
and I'll give you
some more information.
And we'll also be holding
a fundraiser very soon
in order to help
cover the hardship
and the cost of the operation.
And please, pray
for more miracles.
May God bless you all.
Are you sure about this?
Positive.
She would do it for me.
I know she would.
Well, I-- I'm deeply moved
by your willingness to help.
And since no one else
has come forward,
hopefully, you're a match.
And you're OK with this?
We feel like it's up to her.
I am curious about
any side effects
that we might need
to be aware of.
Well, you would need to
ask her doctor about that,
but I've written down
some information for you.
Please don't let her know.
I'd like to be the one to
tell her if I'm a match.
You got it.
I'll just swab the
inside of your cheek,
and we'll have the
results in a few hours.
Ah, we were just wondering
about the risk or side
effects of being a donor.
Well, there's always
some risk, but only 2.4%
of people who donate
bone marrow have any kind
of a serious complication.
More commonly, there's
headaches, bone
or muscles tenderness,
but sort of like having
a cold or the flu.
But that's usually a few days
before we take collection,
and then it goes away
after we're done.
That's good to know.
You really sure you want
to go through with this?
Yes, Dad.
I know I'll be OK.
All right, just open for me.
And that is it.
We're all done.
You're a very brave girl, Annie.
Fingers crossed.
I'm sorry I didn't call.
Um, I don't want to be a
burden after everything
that you've been through.
You're never a burden.
But I understand
why you didn't call.
We really appreciate
you coming over to visit.
I can't imagine how hard
this has been on all of you,
especially you, Jordan.
I-- I want to apologize
for how I treated you.
I am so sorry.
You don't need to
apologize, really.
Uh, Jordan, there's
something Annie
wanted to come
over and tell you.
Sure, what is it, Annie?
Well, um, I'm a match.
What do you mean?
I'm a 50% match, which
is more than enough.
I want to be your donor for
your bone marrow transplant.
Even after
everything I did to you,
you would still do that for me?
All that matters now is that
you know how much I love you.
You're my best friend.
You always will be.
Annie's willingness
to be a donor changed my life.
I wouldn't be here
today without her.
And so the process began.
For the next few weeks, I had to
go through chemotherapy, or what
is called conditioning,
to k*ll any diseased cells
and malfunctioning bone marrow.
I got pretty sick.
A lot of my hair fell out.
I lost weight.
And of course I
was off the cheerleading team.
But none of that really
mattered because I
had the chance to live.
And my best friend was back.
Just four more.
I
realized more than ever
before how important God,
family, and real friends
truly are.
Being popular means
absolutely nothing in the end.
If I had died, I couldn't
have taken that with me.
We can only take the
love in our hearts.
- as she
undergoes this procedure.
I'm just sad that I
had to hurt someone
really important to me
and almost die for me
to fully realize that.
In Jesus's
name we pray, Amen.
Amen.
Annie
was way more brave than me.
She always has been.
I was really scared.
But when I came to, I was
surrounded with all the people
who I know and love the most.
Hey, she's waking up.
And I hope
that's what heaven feels like.
The next few months
in the hospital
were a time of healing
and praying that the bone
marrow transplant would work.
Annie was there with me
every step of the way.
She never left my side.
- everything I know.
I'm sure you'd ace it.
- OK.
Let me--
She even
helped me with my homework
and testing so that I
could keep my grades
up and graduate on time.
Thankfully, the
transplant was a success,
and I was finally
able to go home.
I can never pay God,
Annie, or this community
back for what you've all
done for me and my family.
The fundraisers helped
us more than you know.
I'll forever be grateful
and in your debt.
Which car is yours again?
Yeah, right there.
Just make sure they
do a good job, OK?
Take care.
Hey, for real!
Wow.
I think many of
us, myself included,
don't really understand or pay
much attention to miracles.
We write them off as coincidence
or sometimes just ignore them.
But the truth is, there
are miracles all around us.
The people in our
lives are miracles.
Annie
is a miracle to me.
A precious gift, as she
has been for many of us--
all of us, for that matter.
Some of us just didn't see it.
Thank you, Annie.
I love you so much.
Thank you for loving me.
Thank you for forgiving me.
And thank you for
always being by my side.
We can all learn
something very important
from your shining example.
And as we go out into the
world, on our own unique paths,
I certainly hope
and pray that we do.
So to the class of
2024, here we come!
You've gotta
start somewhere, somewhere,
somewhere, somewhere, somewhere,
somewhere, somewhere, somewhere
Having courage doesn't
mean that you're not afraid
You can be scared, but have
the strength to do it anyway
Will you succeed?
Will you make a mistake?
Oh, the first step is
always the hardest to take
You've gotta start somewhere
Start over, start
late, start scared
You've gotta start somewhere
Be strong, stand
up to your fears
If you want to make your
mark, reach for the stars,
then guess what?
You've just gotta start
All you've got to do is start
You've been living, but you
really haven't felt alive
All those worries and
what-ifs spinning in your mind
Sometimes, you just need
a moment to let it all go
Every second is like another
second chance, you know,
oh-oh-ohhh
You've gotta start somewhere
Start over, start
late, start scared
You've gotta start somewhere
Be strong, stand
up to your fears
If you want to make your
mark, reach for the stars,
then guess what?
You've just gotta start
All you've gotta do is start
Bow your head and
close your eyes
Just step up to the plate
It's never too late
You gotta start somewhere
Start over, start
late, start scared
You've gotta start somewhere
Be strong, stand
up to your fears
And if you want to make your
mark, reach for the stars,
then guess what?
You've just gotta start
All you've gotta do is start
All you've gotta do is start
It's been a long
time since it's been here, and
My frowning face has disappeared
Because
I found a friend today
No more tears rolling off
my pillow like a cliff
All this time, it's
taken to search and sift
But I struck gold
I found a friend today
I'll wake tomorrow with
a smile on my face, and
All sense of sorrow
now has been displaced
My thanks to you
'Cause you're my friend to stay
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