As the twig is bent, so inclines the tree

The Saplings 

Somewhere in the lost picture files of our family's growing up, there is a dog-eared photo of our little Michelle, laying limp dandelions in the hand of this statue of the Blessed Virgin. And this is Daria Philomena, Michelle's oldest daughter, doing the same thing.

We gave this statue to Ben and Michelle at their wedding so now Daria and her sisters are growing up with their Momma's childhood image of the Blessed Mother. And her childhood image of the Blessed Mother. The gift of love passed down.

 When you gently and persistently bend the twig, you also incline the saplings. And, God willing, the saplings' saplings. Pray and work that the pressure of the world doesn't bend them away.

You may not be rich; you may be unable to bequeath any great possessions to your children; 

but one thing you can give them: the heritage of your blessing. 

And it is better to be blessed than to be rich.

-- St. Ambrose

* Daria was about one when this picture was taken a couple years ago.