My eldest daughter Maria

Vote for Maria
I wish to nominate my eldest daughter Maria. She is a full time student in Auckland and also works part time to make ends meet.
In September, she spent 2 weeks with us in Dunedin during her semester break. I was looking forward to doing some nice relaxing things together. However, without any warning, my youngest daughter suddenly became very ill and required hospitalisation. We are a very close family and believed that with our constant love and support, our youngest daughter would feel secure and her health would improve. Each of us took turns to be with her in hospital day and night including Maria who sacrificed her holiday time to be with her sister. She stayed overnight in the hospital on many nights, sleeping on a mattress next to her sister's bed and she would spend the daytime with her to keep her company and was at the same time always attentive to her needs. It was a very hard time for the whole family but Maria helped out tirelessly day and night, never complaining, always attentive to others' needs first.
Maria endured many nights of broken sleep when she stayed overnight at the hospital and I know that because of her endless devotion to her younger sister and helping us out that it was a very stressful time for her. There are no words to fully express our thanks to her . I know that this experience has deepened and strenthened our love for one another and healing has occurred not only for my youngest daughter but for the whole family. I believe that dreams do come true and if we pray hard enough, we will see Maria again soon.