Ani, my teacher

Ani, what have I learned from you?

I have learned to differentiate body and soul. Your body doesn't work well, but your soul lights my darkest moments.

I have learned that no victory is too small. Victories cannot be nullified by a subsequent failure. You have been SO victorious.

I have learned even more, that true strength is not of a physical nature. Your perseverance through this has shown me a glimpse of the strength Jesus showed during his ordeal.

I have learned the power of the words "I love you", for both the speaker and receiver. I have learned that there are also SO MANY ways to tell Annika Aili Grace Prindle that I love her without using those three words. How infinitely more ways does the Holy Trinity tell me that I am loved.

I have learned sacrifice, Ani. I have asked God so many times to take your place that I should no longer exist. You are worth more than I could ever have or deserve.

I have learned to smile through the adversity. My ability to make you smile with mirth, as well as fulfillment gives me so much more than I feel I give back.

Last, but certainly not least, I have learned about beauty. You are beautiful when I use my eyes to see you. You are beautiful when I use my heart to see you. You are beautiful in your joy to be with me. I am constantly stunned at how beautiful you are. I am so glad that your beauty shines to other people. I pray most fervently that the beauty of your voice, whether in song or expression, be restored to this world that so needs it.