It's true, I suffer a great deal — <i>but do I suffer well</i>? That is the question. - Thérèse of Lisieux

"«La niña es un verdadero diablillo, que viene a acariciarme deseándome la muerte: "¡Cómo me gustaría que te murieras, mamaíta...!" La riñen, y me dice: "¡Pero si es para que vayas al cielo! ¿No dices que tenemos que morirnos para ir allá?" Y cuando está con estos arrebatos de amor, desea también la muerte a su padre»."

My happy disposition completely changed after Mamma's death. I, once so full of life, became timid and retiring, sensitive to an excessive degree. One look was enough to reduce me to tears, and the only way I was content was to be left completely alone. I could not bear the company of strangers and found my joy only within the intimacy of the family.

All good things have come to me since I no longer seek them for myself. -Saint John of the Cross