I had great love for my oldest sister Marie, I used to listen attentively while she taught Celine, and was very good and obedient, so as to obtain the privilege of being allowed in the room during her lessons. Marie gave me many tiny presents which pleased me greatly. I was proud of my two big sisters; but as Pauline seemed so far away from us, I thought of her all day long. When I was only just learning to talk, Mamma asked: “What are you thinking about?” my answer regularly was: “Pauline.” Sometimes I heard people saying that Pauline would be a nun, and, without quite knowing what it meant, I thought: “I will be a nun too.” This is one of my first recollections, and I have never changed my mind; so it was the example of this beloved sister which, from the age two, drew me to Jesus. Leonie had also a very warm place in my heart; she loved me very much, and her love was returned. In the evening, when she came home from school she used to take care of me while the others went out, and it seems to me I can still hear the sweet songs she sang to put me to sleep. Finally, my sister Celine was the companion of my childhood, we understood each other perfectly. I would rather leave my dessert unfinished at table than let her go without me, and I would get down from my high chair when she did, and off we went to play together. We were inseparable. ~Extracted from "I am Therese"
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