My new role model: Leigh Ann Tuohy
Posted on 28. Nov, 2009 by kchristieh in inspirational people, movies, parenting
I was slightly hesitant to see “The Blind Side” movie with my family. I felt like I already knew the story after having read the 2006 Michael Lewis article, “The Ballad of Big Mike,” in the NY Times Magazine years ago and seeing numerous previews for the movie.
I’m so glad I went. I only knew the framework of the story, but the beauty of it was in the details.
The framework is this: a rich family takes in a homeless African-American teen who has been given the chance to play football at their children’s private school if he gets his grades up. They help him get his act together, and he becomes a football success in high school and college, and has now moved on to the NFL.
I knew that much of the story was driven by the strong, determined mother in the family that takes him in, but I had no idea what a role model she was. Leigh Ann Tuohy’s two dominant characteristics are ones I strive to have: she cares deeply about others, and she’s true to herself. She takes in Michael Oher because she wants to give him a chance to have a decent life after all the struggles he’s had, and she does it despite the racist remarks of some of her fellow Southerners. I also admire her confidence and outspokenness. It takes a special personality to get away with stopping a high school football practice by marching out onto the field and telling the players what to do. I’m too polite, and would never do that. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, actually, but I’m impressed that she knew when it was the right thing to do and succeeded because she already had the respect of the coaches and players and said exactly what needed to be said. Sandra Bullock played Leigh Ann Tuohy beautifully, and showed that despite all her strength, she was also a sensitive person who would retreat to a bedroom or the car when she had to cry.
Of course, I also deeply admire Michael Oher, who survived his difficult childhood by “closing his eyes” when pain and evil swirled around him. Leigh Ann describes him lovingly as “Ferdinand the Bull,” and she’s right. His big body may scare some, but he’s got a big, soft heart within.
It’s too bad that smaller kids in his old neighborhood don’t get the same chance that he did.
I loved the movie as well and agree that she is my new role model as well! Do you happen to now of how one might could contact her? I would love to have a chance to talk to her or send her an e-mail.
I agree, Leigh Anne Tuohy is an awesome person, a real life angel! I LOVED the movie & wish there were more people with the strength, courage, and most of all, heart of Mrs. Tuohy. I would love to have the opportunity to thank her and her family for being such wonderful people! person.
I also would like to be able to write to her. I have a story for her that has many similarities to hers.
Thank you for this post. For more on how practicing what we preach can change a life, check out this post: http://richardtgarner.blogspot.com/2009/12/renewing-stars-faith.html
an angel she is and everything a mother should be. thats what the word beautiful stands for. BEAUTIFUL….