Being from Florida has its “ups” and “downs.” The “Up” side is the sun and getting to meet people from all over the world who come to visit. The “Down” side is the heat and those pesky hurricanes that keep us on our toes. Even though my state has it good times and bad, my faith has been blessedly always a safe haven that has never abandoned me. From my earliest life I can see memories of being in my local parish, being formed by my experiences of holy Priests and Religious, as well as the prayerfulness of my own family. I have tried to carry all the blessings God has given throughout my own