We lost, and by 'we' I am referring to not only her family, but the Church, school and community.

We lost a little girl in the third grade to a tragic accident in 2012. I was fortunate to have Natalie a part of the second grade Faith Formation class last year. Her smile was always bright. Her actions never hesitant when it came to doing something good for someone.

She was indeed a shining star and we didn't even know it. She made her First Confession and received Jesus for the first time at Holy Communion during that second grade year and I along with countless others, watched her grow in faith, hope and love. Her death left me with more faith, hope and love to give to others.

I believe with all my heart and soul Natalie is in heaven, among the saints and angels, and I know she has helped with more than one crisis here on earth in her short time as a saint. I will continue to gain hope from knowing my prayers of intercession to her will be answered. I thank God for the gift of Natalie.