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     At the time that this book was written, Mary-Catherine had watched her mother graduate from high school, enter into college and successfully complete her freshman year. Angela has begun her sophomore year, and baby sits for Mary-Catherine as well as two other children for income. Angela's major is undecided though many believe she should work with children. She is an excellent and vivacious mother.

      Shawn has completed his Associates degree in Criminal Justice and is pursuing more education to train as a law enforcement officer. He sees Mary-Catherine every-other-weekend and spends one day a week with her. We went to the State Fair together when Mary-Catherine was eighteen months old, and she rode her first real pony holding her daddy's hand. He remains supportive, and together we celebrate many occasions.

      Mary-Catherine began pre-school with some adjustment, since for the most part she has been home with Angela. She loves black olives, spaghetti, chicken nuggets and her best friend Miranda. She can sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, her ABC song, count, name her colors, put puzzles together, play with the computer, and the piano. She will tell you she loves you, and will also ask God to bless you when she says her prayers before she sleeps.

      Angela's father is a proud grandpa and spends many vacation days filling in the blanks for missing babysitters. Mary-Catherine loves her papa, and he dearly loves her. We are both working hard to see that Angela gets through college and on her feet.

   I am divorced from Floyd and am working full time in a communication position at the local university, which requires some travel. I spend much of my free time watching my granddaughter grow. She tells me about life from her point of view and her spirit refreshes me. Her little face at the door each day when I come home reminds me that Angela did the right thing.

       We have met other families with similar circumstances and some with tragic endings. In each unique family story, we have seen courage, dedication, faith and unconditional love, which this world certainly needs.