A sentimental story of romance floats across our path and various responses are whispered in our hearts: “Aw, how sweet!” “Now that’s really touching.” “Cute, but that’s not typical everyday life.” Easily enough, sentimentality initially sparks more appeal than the gnarly, rigorous labor of true love. Yet, the stories that speak volumes, striking the deepest chords and leaving our hearts speechless, are those that embody a good dose of selfless, sacrificing love. It’s the messy, agonizing, repetitive works of resilient love in action rising up from the ashes again and again; solidifying the untarnished image of love we slowly grow to value more than gold. The greater the suffering the mightier the impression it holds. Surely, then, that sweet and humble “Fiat” at the Annunciation was the beginning of the greatest love story creation will ever know.