Born Teresa Demjanovich to loving immigrant parents, Blessed Miriam Teresa grew up in Bayonne, New Jersey, in the early twentieth century.  She witnessed events that changed the United States—such as the introduction of automobiles and motion pictures, the sabotaging of American industry during World War I, and the rise of the labor union movement. All the while, Teresa was discovering the unchanging reality of God's love. Like Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, Teresa learned that God wanted to be her friend and from an early age desired to become a Carmelite. Jesus longed to be with her, and she wanted to be with Him, whether she was studying, working, praying, or enjoying the company of friends. This was her secret to happiness, and to holiness.