Dear Flower,

F and I really enjoyed meeting you last month.
I know from Sarah that you are going through a difficult time right now. Being 16 is not easy for anyone. I cannot imagine the life you had before coming to the US.
What I do know is that you are a special person. I know these things. I have traveled all over the world – many times. You have a special light – – a radiance that can only be God’s grace that shines through you to others you meet.
It does not really matter to me about your past or even your future. What matters is right now. What matters is today – this hour – this minute.
There are many choices we have in life. They are everywhere, everyday. “There is really only one choice that will make us happy: to love what is.” — amar lo que es.
And  . . . .  there is a LOT for you to love right now – today – this minute. You are surrounded by people who love you. Not many people can go through life and say that: to be surrounded by people who love and care for them.
You might say “I cannot love what is happening to me right now because it is too difficult”
But you have a choice.
You are a survivor. I do not know anyone else in our family besides you – who could make the journey to America that you made. You have survived too many challenges in your life to give up now.
If you CHOOSE LOVE then you will never ever go wrong.
F and I love you Flower, and we hope to see you the next time we’re in Texas.
-S