It was 1937 and 8 year Dorothy Petrillo thought today was the most exciting day in her life. Today was the day of her First Communion. Other children were excited because, they finally got to do what their older siblings did. Dorothy was the oldest, so that thought never crossed her mind. She wasn't even that excited about the dress her mother had made for her after endless scrimping and saving. She just thought this belief had been taught was so amazing. Jesus had loved her and the world so much that he gave himself to those who believed,looking and tasting like bread and wine.

As she rose from her pew, hands in a praying position like Sister Maria had taught her, she was very excited. Her parents also were beaming,proud of their little girl. Her mother, Sophia wondered if her little girl would be a Sister someday. She loved Jesus and she loved to learn. She'd make an excellent teacher at a parish school. She was such a strong, intelligent little girl and she loved her very much. Dorothy's father Salvador, or Sal as everyone called him was also proud of his little girl, even though he wasn't too much into church going himself. As soon as Dorothy knelt and received Jesus,she felt a very good feeling, that even her advanced vocabulary couldn't describe. Before leaving the pew once the Mass had ended she gave her parents very warm hugs.

In the basement of St. Francis of Assisi parish, was a very Italian lunch prepared by the mothers of those whose children had received their First Communion. The parish was predominantly Italian parish in Brooklyn. Dorothy loved her Ma's marinara sauce and her cannoli, but right now she was excited to talk to Father Rossi, Sister Maria and her best friend, Trudi.

"Sister Maria, I feel good, really good, you know. It's hard to find a word for it."

"Dorothy, my dear I understand. You are very wise for your age."

Dorothy soon heard whispers of other children, "Sister's pet, bookworm." She suddenly didn't feel like talking anymore.

Walking back to the family's modest apartment, Sophia sensed something was bothering her daughter.

"What's wrong, pussycat?"

" The other kids hate me. I think it's because I like church and I'm smart."

" Dorothy, you are different than the others,but you're a good kid. I know you could care less about some of the things kids your age do, but if you get to know them and what they like, you might meet more friends," replied Sophia.

"Your mother is right, Dorothy. Having fun doesn't hurt. Times are hard. We all need to laugh. Go talk to kids about kid stuff; Little Orphan Annie,radio shows, Shirley Temple or the Three Stooges."

"Is that how I make friends?" She wanted to talk about history, about saints and chapter books with strong girl heroines.

" You might actually enjoy being silly once in a while. Give it a try," said Sal.

That night, Dorothy prayed for more friends, more friends who could relate to her.