Maria

I got to spend the afternoon with Maria V today and it was so much fun. We bought shoes for prom and I sewed her a shrug to wear with her dress so she could be modest at the dance. I love her so much. She is just like a little sister to me. She tries so hard to do what is right in an environment filled with more temptations then I can even begin to imagine. She stumbles now and again and often has one foot in while the other is out but her desires are righteous and her heart is in the right place. She made a very ambitious commitment to attend early morning seminary this year and she did it! She is learning that she can do hard things and that it is worth it. I know she can continue to choose the right and get married in the Temple.

I am so humbled that the Lord chose me to be an instrument in blessing Maria's life. But she has also touched my life in more ways then she will ever know. I feel like I am getting a crash course in parenting a teenager. Maria has taught me about unconditional love. I have learned how hard it is to follow the council to correct with sharpness then give an outpouring of love. I am beginning to understand how our Heavenly Father feels when we disappoint him by failing to understand and live up to our divine potential. My heart aches at the thought of leaving my dear Maria. I will miss her just as much as she will miss me but I have no doubt that we will be friends for eternity. When someone touches your life and your heart in such a powerful way they are never forgotten.