It’s nice to know someone cares.

For Bonnie Bearden and her husband Sgt. Tracy Bearden, it’s even nicer to know the wholes state of Alabama cares.

Inspired by her ordeals, Gov. Bob Riley initiated Operation Grateful Heart after he learned of Bonnie’s plight.

Bonnie found herself in a predicament no one would want. While her husband was serving his country in Kuwait, she found herself needing lifesaving lung surgery. Coupled with raising her children while her husband was abroad, it was a harrowing situation.

Nothing about Bearden’s story is unusual, unfortunately. Everyday, news reports reveal that many of the brave men and women serving in the U.S. leave behind loved ones suddenly forced to cope with problems sometimes beyond their control.

What’s remarkable about the Beardens’ problems is they did something unusual. They didn’t give up.

Instead of shutting down as some might have done, Bonnie Bearden reached out for help. She contacted friends, neighbors and anyone who might be able to help her care for her children and get to San Diego for the surgery she needed to live. During her whirlwind of activity, a friend sent and email to Gov. Riley, and suddenly, Bearden found herself with a powerful ally.

Riley stepped in, with all the power and authority his position allows, and made sure Bearden received all the help she needed, even to the point of arranging emergency leave for her husband.

Now she’s recovering from surgery with her husband by her side and finding herself the center of attention.

Bonnie Bearden is the catalyst for a new and unique state program, designed to provide the fighting men and women of Alabama with aid and services for their families while there fighting the war on terror. If that wasn’t enough, members of the armed forces of Alabama will find themselves the recipients of aid when they return home, something a lot of men and women have trouble adjusting too.

Sometimes, all it takes is an effort to change things for the better. We hope that the Beardens’ story helps others realize this and try and change things for the better, even in small ways.