Some thoughts about the Virgin Mary

I've heard people, especially fellow Catholics, say that the Virgin Mary is a difficult person to relate to. I can certainly see that. She seems so perfect. But let's not concentrate on the differences. Let's look at the similarities:First, she was human. True, there is the doctrine of Immaculate Conception that Catholics ascribe to, but she was still a human.Second, she had a choice, just like we do. She chose to follow God's plan. She could have refused to play a part in our salvation, but she did not. Like all of us, she too had free will.Third, she suffered. Imagine the scandal that must have arisen because of her pregnancy. She was a stranger in a strange land when she was forced to flee to Egypt. She also suffered the heartbreak of watching Jesus, the same child she carried in her womb for nine months, as he was crucified. True, she didn't suffer physically, but there was certainly mental anguish.
For all these reasons, I believe Mary is an excellent role model. That's the reason I reflect on her life as well as Jesus's.

The Dragon Children: Chapter 6: Saiyune Departs

Thinking quickly, Saiyune used her mental link with Nefron to create a tornado, but the Joxer stood its ground and sent more lightning bolts at everyone.
Damien hid behind a tree.
"Damien, this is a terrible idea." Cypress chastised.
"You have any better ones?" Damien asked fearfully.
"Yes, place your hands on the ground. I will give you some of my power." the female green dragon said.
Damien did as Cypress said.
Cypress said, "Now, command the ground. Have it dispose of the Joxer."
Damien nodded and exclaimed, "Dirt of the earth, swallow the Joxer!"
A hole opened under the Joxer. It backed away, but the hole became larger, until gravity forced the Joxer to fall into the hole. The hole closed up arouind it, cutting off all air. The Joxer would quickly suffocate.
Night fell, and they had dinner, thanks to some villagers who provided them a meal.
Saiyune was not eating with the rest of them. Nefron saw this and confronted her.
"Why are you not eating with the others?" he asked.
"I don't feel comfortable eating with them."
A black dragon approached them. "Hello, child." it said.
"Who are you?" Nefron asked. "Weren't you with Stefan?"
The dragon scoffed. "My name is Kor. And don't be absurd. I serve none but Pandora.
"Pandora?" Nefron asked. "The immortal sorceress of evil?"
"Yes." Kor said. "And I believe I can offer you something Sophia will not."
"What?" Saiyune asked.
"Sophia cannot help you ease the misery that has plagued your life." said Kor.
"How do you know what I've been through?" Saiyune asked.
"Saiyune, don't listen to him!" Nefron said.
"All dragons can read minds." said Kor. "I can see into yours easily. I can see the pain caused by your parents. They never loved you, child. You on't need love. What you need is power. Power can make you strong. With power, you can have all you ever need."
"Saiyune, if you go down this path, I cannot accompany you." said Nefron.
"You don't need him." Kor said. "Come with me. I can show you true power."
Saiyune thought about it. Could Kor be right? Everything he said seemed to make sense somehow.
"Yes I will." she said.
Kor turned to Nefron with glowing eyes. Nefron's eyes grew heavy and he slowly fell asleep.
Kor flapped his wings. "Follow my lead."
Saiyune nodded and stretched out her arms. She let herself ride a current of air and followed behind him.
Minerva came outside and saw Nefron. She broke the sleep spell.
"Minerva? Saiyune has left me." said Nefron when he was awakened. "I don't know what I should do. She will not listen to me anymore."
"Then pray for her. Perhaps Iawia, the great Creator, will help her." Minerva suggested.
"Can't you go after her?" Nefron asked.
Minerva shook her head. "We cann't force her to do what is right. She must learn that herself. Love does not force itself on anyone." she said solemnly.