Redemption?

Two of my all time favourite famous people are Benny Cousins and Johnny Cash.

I adore Cash's music. So much so that we've named our new dog after him. Now we have Cash and Dusty, after Slim. Let it be said that Dusty pre dates me so I had no hand in naming him.

Likewise I have adored Benny Cousins since I was fifteen years old. I am a West Coast devotee, but it was certainly Ben's good looks, hot bod and charisma that got me hooked at 15. It's an addiction I've been unable to kick since, despite the circus of the past ten years.

I can't say I adore him now, but I can't write him off.

I feel heartbroken after watching "Such is Life" last night. Say what you will about Ben Cousin's, watching his father speak about his ordeal was emotional and distressing.

And my distress and sadness is heightened, because I honestly wonder how Ben Cousins is ever going to survive post football. When you've adored someone for almost 15 years, albeit from a far, it's sad to face the reality that perhaps their ultimate demise is inevitable.

My hope comes from Johnny Cash. Perhaps the most influential singer song writer in history.

A drug addict.

Johnny Cash's story was one of extreme talent, extreme success and extreme wealth. His story was one of struggle for survival and ultimately one of redemption.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if Ben continues to walk the Johnny Cash line until the very end.