Princes and Ever Afters

Dearest Daughters,

Who doesn't love a good fairy tale? Especially when one comes true in your own life. I want you to live happily ever after with your Prince Charming more than anything in the world. But it's how you make it to that point that concerns me.

I couldn't wait to turn 16 (dating age) because I thought boys would be knocking down my front door to date me. And in college, I was certain that I would graduate from BYU happily married. I had even imagined how I would find my companion -- we would meet each other as EFY counselors, then date for a year and get married! None of these situations ever came to pass. And I'm so glad -- here's why:

My mother once introduced me to a story called Cinder Edna, by Ellen Jackson. Essentially, it's a parody on the tale of Cinderella, and while the same problems happen to Cinder Edna, she reacts differently than Cinderella did. Cinder Edna has better things to do than sit in the ashes and feel sorry for herself. She embraces the opportunities to cook and clean, works to save up money for a ball gown, rides a bus to the castle, and meets a prince who, while he may not by like his 'charming' brother, is Cinder Edna's perfect match of practicality and fun. The point is, Cinder Edna made something great out of herself by learning useful skills, getting an education, actually living and not moping around thinking, "Someday my prince will come ..."