A Star is Born!

This is Anna. Look closely though, this is the new and improved Anna. She may look the same as the Anna that lived here yesterday but after church today she is a whole new person that you might not recognize. Many of you knew my very shy, very sensitive Anna. The one who would cry and protest at any sort of public speaking or performing. In the past, (even up until two months ago) she would be asked to read a scripture or say a prayer in Primary and I would end up reading it or saying it as Anna hid behind the podium with her arms folded, head down, and tears in her eyes. Two weeks ago out of the blue, Anna said to me that she is ready to read a scripture in Primary. I made a bee-line to a member of the Primary presidency to make sure Anna got an assignment for the following week. I didn't want the new Anna to miss her big debut just in case the old Anna decided to come back. The assignment was to choose and read a favorite scripture. She wanted to read something out of the book of Jacob since she has a brother named Jacob. We helped her narrow it down to Jacob 2:18. She practiced it a few times yesterday and felt pretty confident about it. She still wanted me to stand next to her and be there for moral support. Even as I sat in the back of the Primary room, I had my doubts that she would go through with it and back out at the last moment when she saw everyone in the Primary sitting in their chairs. But as I looked at her up in the front, I became a little emotional and tears came to my eyes. She was sitting up so tall and had such a confident smile on her face. Without any hesitation, and I mean no hesitation whatsoever, she went to the microphone when it was her turn. As her proud mama, I stood next to her as she clearly read the scripture by herself and even stated the reference first. Anna is an exceptional reader and didn't stumble a bit on any of the words. I am so proud of her! This is such a big step for her, actually this is such a big leap for her! Great job Anna. I love you.