FOR MY GOOD GODDAUGHTER

Although I don't consider this drawing finished just yet, I had to share it after a call from my dear friend today. One of his little girls, Therese, is my Goddaughter. Therese is named for Saint Therese of Lisieux, "The Little Flower." Saint Therese is one of my very favorite saints, and she has, I know, interceded for me so often in my life. Reading her "Story of a Soul" was a huge moment for me in my spiritual journey as a Christian and a Catholic, and I hope that all of you will check out "I Believe in Love," a spiritual retreat based on Saint Therese's spirituality. That book changed my life.

At any rate, I see so much of this great Saint in my little Goddaughter. The brown curly hair, the sweet disposition, the innocence and the beauty of Saint Therese can be seen in this wonderful little girl. More than any of these, however, I would say that little Therese is most like Saint Therese in her prayerfulness and her concern for others. That little girl prays for me every night, and it shows in her excitement when she sees me and in the love that she has for a Godfather who does not make the time that he should to see her more often.

Her father told me today that when praying for me, given my current health situation, Therese became very upset and wept. I haven't cried during any of this, but that made me tear up. When confronted with the loving regard of this little girl who hardly ever sees me, but keeps me in her heart and in her prayers at all times, I ask myself - "What did I do to deserve such love from one who is so good?" It is remarkable to me and I give thanks to God for this sign of His Love. This drawing then is a gift to Therese, who I will see tonight when I visit her family. I am so grateful to be so undeservedly and so magnanimously loved. God love her, and may Saint Therese ever bless her by her prayers and her watchful care. "I shall spend my heaven doing good upon earth." - Saint Therese

I think you will enjoy some of these photos - I am including two images of Saint Therese and Therese (with her Godmother, Jean) so that you can see how I assembled the drawing, and you will also find that Therese's daddy gets pretty serious about costumes for All Saints Day. (Therese is dressed as her patron, and her sister and brother are "The Lilly of the Mohawks" and "Isaac Jogues" - awesome costumes) Also, a beautiful image of my wife and Therese at our wedding, where she was an awesome flower girl.