Therese, in recalling the trip she took with her father after her illness, relates that Jesus wanted her to see some of the world so she could more assuredly choose Him.

Therese's sister Marie helped her prepare for First Communion in an inspiring fashion. The Abbey retreat just before First Communion touched Therese with the special affection shown her by the Abbey mistresses. Anticipating Christ giving Himself to her, Therese says she recalls every tiny detail of that day, and certain thoughts so intimate that they, "could not be translated into earthly language without losing at once their deep and heavenly meaning."