The streets taught me how I did not want to be, while my mother showed me how to live true to myself. But I was surprised that the opportunity involved my father, who had not been the focus of my prayer. Feeling myself nearing a limit, I began to pray this single-minded prayer:No matter what happens, may my family live with dignity. Mostly, he told stories of my mother, who he’d deeply admired for her strength and conviction. He wanted to be a source of strength for the people he loved.