Oklahoma Hero nominee lends helping hand

"I really hated to, but I was nervous, but the kids were hungry and stuff and I called them and a couple of hours later Judy and her husband Dennis showed up with groceries."

Often the stories of the people who have nominated our 2007 Oklahoma Hero finalists are just as heart-wrenching as the stories about our heroes, and that's the case as we meet our fifth hero nominee.  The young lady who e-mailed us about today's nominee had the courage to get out of an abusive relationship, but says her escape wasn't possible without the helping hand of Judy Clagg, NEWS 9's Doug Warner explains.

Life inside her small home on an extremely rural, dead end dirt road may not be ideal, but for Sue Ann it's very comforting.

"Its peaceful. It reminds me of my childhood," she said.

It offers the perfect seclusion away from Sue Ann's past, and from the former boyfriend she says abused her, "He told me if I did leave him, he would have me wiped off the face of the planet."

These days even the coldest and rainiest days are no biggie for Sue Ann.  She just wraps herself in her favorite blanket, the same blanket her new-found friend, Judy Clagg, has at her house. The friends live miles apart, but their lives have been drawn together. Not because of their choice in blankets, but in part because of the inspirational message weaved within it, Proverbs 3, chapter 6, "In all thy ways acknowledge him and He shall direct they path."

Five years ago, Sue Ann says she was taking her usual route from the grocery store home on foot, when out of the blue someone pulls up, stops and offers her a ride. Ultimately that path that day offered her a way out of her abusive relationship.

"Do you think God had put you on that path for a reason that day?" asked NEWS 9's Doug Warner.

"I think so, I think so," responded Sue Ann.

The stranger not only offered Sue Ann a free ride, she also gave her a phone number to call if she and her kids ever needed anything. 

"I really hated to, but I was nervous, but the kids were hungry and stuff," Sue Ann said. "I called them and a couple of hours later Judy and her husband Dennis showed up with groceries."

"And we sat on the floor, they had no furniture, and we ate milk and cookies with them" Judy Clagg said.

Judy Clagg has spent a lifetime helping others, and throughout the years she's helped countless families with their groceries and furniture, she's even served as a foster parent.

"They're like our own children," she said.

It's exactly what this Oklahoma Hero nominee did for Sue Ann's children for a short time until Sue Ann, and now her new husband, could provide the life they all deserved.

"She wanted to say thanks for everything I've done for her, and this is her way of doing it and that's ok," said Clagg.

Judy is also a member of Biker's Against Child Abuse and says it's hard not to wear your heart on your sleeve when it comes to protecting our children.

--News9.com