Last evening I indulged in watching a Western which starred the late great Kirk Douglas.

Western movies are morality tales in which the hero or heroine develop a pattern of behavior that draws others to him or her.

I became familiar with the back story of Kirk Douglas because my husband, Gordon's family lived in or around the area in Amsterdam, N.Y. where Kirk Douglas grew up.

Life in Amsterdam was not easy for Douglas. He grew up as the rag-picker's son.

In those times rag-pickers went from house to house gathering items residents left out for them.

Apparently something struck a spark in Douglas. He worked very hard to achieve the physical and mental strength that led to stardom and prominence in Hollywood.

All of us had childhood friends who grew from childhood friends to masters of their trade. Though the 1930's depression affected everyone certain friends vowed to become successful. And they did.

America today is still a melting pot. The road to success is still a rocky trail but courage and self-belief can result in great success.

Kirk Douglas' story is not unique. Every day men and women spell out their experiences on TV. Many are politicians but the great majority are people who achieved in law, medicine or large corporations.

Many prominent people site their beginings as paralegals or low man on the totem pole. The door stands open for those who are willing to work toward a goal.

If a rag-picker's son can make it so can others. Stay strong. Stay safe and keep smiling.