Today I had the great pleasure of meeting Marianne. This woman got in touch with us through the Bureau County Republican, and this evening we met her at the library where she purchased Mika a library card.

It almost brought me to tears to meet someone who actually cared. Mika was so excited, and to top it off, Marianne took the time to sit and read to Mika and pick books with her to read tonight before bed. Here she was, just moments ago a perfect stranger, now a special friend to my daughter. In my eyes, this woman is a modern day saint and is so deserving of a special mention in the paper.

Tonight while driving home Mika said, “Mommy can we read with my special friend again tomorrow?” I told her that every book we read from now on we will have Marianne with us in our hearts. I hope we can meet regularly together to read. It is amazing how a shared passion has brought us together, Marianne, you truly are a special friend to Mika and our entire family. She has forever changed our life, not only because she opened a door that felt was slammed in our face. But she has restored my faith in humanity. She will forever hold a special place in my heart. I hope she knows how much we appreciate her gesture. I truly cannot say enough nice things about this wonderful woman.