Where the Heart is: Acrostic

Emily Barnes

Acrostic

Novalee

N “Name has a history…You’re gonna die. But your name’s not. It’s gonna be written in somebody’s Bible, printed in some newspaper” (23). “Get your baby a name that means something. A sturdy name. Strong name. Name that’s gonna withstand a lot of bad times.” (22). Novalee named her baby girl Americus, a sturdy name that showed pride in her country and was not shallow or a fad. She believed names reflected core values and endured throughout the ages, preserving a person’s legacy.

O Outlawed boyfriend. Willy Jack impregnated Novalee, abandoned her in a Wal-Mart with little money, and was thrown in jail. He was let out of jail, became a famous guitar player, and had his career stolen from him. Years after he left her, Willy Jack returned to Novalee to meet Americus, repent, and teach Novalee an unforgettable lesson—there is always one lie that will eat away at you until you fix it. Willy Jack also showed her that people can turn their own lives around.

V Vulnerable at first and hurt by Mama Nelson, Willy Jack, and Troy, Novalee was soon strong enough to get up and fight again. Helped along by friends and stranger’s encouragement, Novalee changed the way she acted in the face of a crisis. For instance, when Willy Jack dumped her, Novalee sat around in Wal-Mart snacking and reading magazines. Months later, after Novalee was more strong-willed, Americus was kidnapped. Novalee sprung into action, searched the town, interrogated those with any information, and worked with the police. Her hard work paid off when they found Americus and returned her safely. Novalee’s vulnerability disintegrated as she gained courage and pride in herself.

A Aspiring to be no one, Novalee once thought she was worthless, and did not give herself any opportunities to succeed. Moses taught her about photography and helped her win an award. She took classes at college and earned money by photographing special occasions. Novalee realized there was no reason to cheat herself out of a good life, and began to see herself differently. She inspired everyone around her to be the people they always wanted to be. Novalee’s life became worth something to her when she discovered her own aspirations.

L Learning all the time—from books and from life, from people and classes—Novalee learned to cook and to garden, to photograph, to pursue her passions and get back up when hurt. She learned how to raise Americus and take care of loved ones. She learned to help others and never stop learning. Novalee taught Forney that he was still learning. She learned from mistakes and corrections. Even Willy Jack taught Novalee about forgiving and second chances.

E Employee of Wal-Mart. Willy Jack dumped Novalee in a Wal-Mart, where she relied on seven dollars for survival. Moses Whitecotton, Benny Goodluck, and Sister Husband found her there, gave her advice, and listened to her. Wal-Mart was a secure place for her, and after she gave birth and moved, she was offered a job there. When she returned to Wal-Mart as an employee, Novalee was happier, healthier, and more mature. Wal-Mart was her home, and returning to work felt safe and comfortable for Novalee.

E Emotion. Novalee was always emotional. Willy Jack abused her and at a young age she lost friends and was threatened. But with a new start and friends, she became stronger. Moses Whitecotton showed her how to honor her feelings. Sister Husband reassured her that she was on track in life. Novalee loved Americus unconditionally. But when Forney confessed his love for Novalee, she still tried to escape her emotion and lied to him. Willy Jack then returned and confess his of guilt towards her. Novalee revealed her true feelings toward Forney. She and Forney lived together, raising Americus to trust her emotions and know that where she loved was where she belonged, because, after all, “home is where the heart is”.