This past week I listened to the TLC documentary about Susan Boyle, the 50-year-old "diamond in the rough" from Scotland who became an overnight sensation in 2009 on the reality show, "Britain's Got Talent."

I was struck by her story on so many levels. As a musician, I am overwhelmed by her incredible talent.  Her voice and her spirit have encouraged millions of people to persevere.

Her experience is such a powerful reminder that music is a universal language. As the adopted mother of an adult daughter with a mental disability I was struck by her story of being deprived of oxygen during the birth process. The walk through her home reminded of my own daughter’s continual struggles to manage her life, and when she commented about her desire to have “that vital person -- someone who would be kind keep me calm,” I couldn’t help but think of my daughter’s husband of 14 years who has done just that for her. Her stories about being bullied as a child reminded me of my own experience in that one room school so many years ago. I couldn’t help feeling sad that after her concert in China with 1/2 billion people in the audience, she went home to her apartment alone.

Her comment, “I have to do this for the public” shows her sense of gratitude for the gift God has given her. I felt the pain, but I also laughed when I heard Boyle’s comment about her life being made into a musical: “You know it will be the shortest musical ever. I’ve hardly lived.”

In the interview, Boyle’s friend Lorraine, who has shared her ups and downs through the years, made the comment, “If you care about someone and they’re your friend you take the good and the bad.”  She’s right, of course, but I hope I can take it even farther, and find the good in everyone I meet.  It isn't always easy.