Once upon a time, there was a girl. This girl was a part of a generation unlike any ever seen before in history. She rose above the normal expectations of the world and chose to live life differently. Her parents protected her and gave her opportunities she never would have had otherwise. Though there were those that would stand in her way and try to discourage her, it was then that she learned perseverance…

Once upon a time, there was a girl who had a friend that hurt her feelings and tried to make her feel inferior. She decided to hate this friend and did so successfully until she realized that her hatred didn’t change anything. It only made her bitter. Here, the girl learned her first lesson in forgiveness…

Once upon a time, there was a girl who wanted above all things to have a little sister. She prayed and dreamed for years. Finally, when she had nearly given up all hope, her mother gave birth to an adorable blue-eyed baby girl, and she saw that all the while that she’d been waiting, she’d been learning patience…

Once upon a time, there was a girl whose friend became her unspoken enemy. All too soon and with a heavy heart, the girl realized there was nothing she could do to reconcile the relationship. She mourned the loss, but in her disappointment, she learned the true meaning of loyalty…

Once upon a time, there was a girl who was faced life changing decisions. Two paths were before her. One led to her compromising her beliefs; the other led to her heart being broken and left alone. The choice was the most difficult she’d ever had to make. Yet even in the midst of her hurting, she knew what the right thing to do was. And it was in that decision that she found love in the grace of God and learned a lesson in determination…

Once upon a time, there was a girl who found herself surrounded by dozens of the dearest friends anyone could dream of. They loved her, encouraged her, danced with her, made her smile and laugh, talked with her and cried with her, inspired her and made her life more beautiful in every way imaginable. She felt so immensely blessed by God having allowed her to know them all and cherished every smile, every hug, every sparkling face and every little moment she had with them. With joy overflowing within her, she learned and strived to live the real meaning of friendship and love…

Once upon a time, there was a girl who learned to live, to love, to glorify God, to dream big and to be herself.
How do I know all this? I know because that girl was me.


Copyright 2010 Hannah McMichael