By Scott Walker (SmallTownBigWorld.com)

She was a mixture of smiles and tears as she left the dentist today. Stacy has been working with Dr. Jess Sinquefield, DDS in Murfreesboro for several weeks now on a dream that many of us take for granted... our teeth. Keep in mind she had no money for her dream, but Dr. Sinquefield made it a reality for her never expecting a single dime.

She is clean today, but in the past she was a heroin addict who lived on the streets of Nashville. She has slowly crawled out of that life and now lives in a motel with her significant other named Jonathan. She actually got off of heroin on her own while homeless, desperate to change. She has now been clean for about two years and never wants to turn back.

Jonathan and Stacy provide the motel management where they stay with maintenance and maid services in exchange for a room. While that may not sound glamorous, they are thankful for having employment and a roof over their head without any government assistance.

Today, Stacy is a new person with her teeth. The self-confidence that she lacked while on the streets has vanished, with a simple smile. Today, I noticed she was more confidence than ever.

She is now looking to make even bigger changes in her life with public speaking about heroin addiction, Suboxone addiction and a possible job change in the near future. Stacy and Jonathan also have goals of having an apartment and maybe even their very own vehicle. Of course, those are still dreams at this point, but I think it will happen.