An Angel in Disguise

Nine years ago, a shy little 2nd grade girl with big brown eyes walked into Lara's office wondering if she could get a coat for one of her younger siblings. Lara had just started as the CIS (Communities in Schools) campus manager at
7 Hills Elementary, and the precious little girl who came to see her that day was Maritza Mauricio. At the time, Lara knew almost no Spanish - and Maritza was struggling to keep up at school, largely because she had no English skills. Despite the language barrier, the connection between them was instant, and since that day, Lara has served as a shining beacon for Maritza & her entire family. At the same time, they have been a constant source of inspiration for her (as well as myself & others). The Mauricios are absolutely wonderful people, and we have come to love them as though they were OUR family.

But Maritza is the frosting on the cake . . . the creme de la creme . . . the whole enchilada!

I can't even begin to tell you how proud we are of her . . . despite disadvantages too numerous to mention, she has become an excellent student and has blossomed into a remarkably talented and poised young lady. It would be next to impossible to find anyone who works harder, has more determination, or maintains a more positive attitude than Maritza does. She is beautiful inside and out, her smile is contagious, and I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't think the world of her.

On March 27th, CIS of North Texas held its annual "Celebrating Successes" Gala, and our family had the honor of sitting with the Mauricios as CISNT honored Maritza as Student of the Year for 2010. More than one tear was shed as we watched the video of her journey from "then" to "now".  She was presented with plaques, a statuette, and so many certificates that I couldn't keep track of them all. She also received the gift of a senior ring which she had helped Lara design (thinking at the time that it was just a fantasy game they were playing). Throughout the evening, she mingled effortlessly with all sorts of bigwigs, including Texas State Senator Jane Nelson. All the while, Maritza remained nonplussed, carrying it all off with so much poise & grace that you'd have thought it was an everyday occurrence for her. It was truly a memorable evening, and I was delighted to have a part in honoring her.

Without a doubt, Maritza's fate was altered that first day she walked into Lara's office. But other lives changed that day also . . . mine among them. In ways she could never imagine, Maritza has given back so much more than she's received - and she is another one of those blessings that I thank God for regularly. I do believe in angels, but one of the things I've learned from knowing Maritza is that they can come in all shapes & sizes - they might even sneak up on you as a timid little Mexican girl looking for a coat.

Credits: Clementine - Shabby Princess, The Shabby Shoppe