“Having a little girl has been like following an old treasure map with the important paths torn away.”

“Who you choose to walk with through life will be the most important decision that you will ever, ever make. You will have your children and you will love them because they are yours and because they will be wonderful. Just like you ... But who you marry is a choice. The man you choose should make you happy, encourage you in following your dreams, big ones and little ones.”

“Every five-year-old kid should have a pair of happy pajamas. (217)”

“We're always on breath away from something--living or dying--, sometimes it just can't be helped.”

“We're always one breath away from something, living or dying, sometimes it just can't be helped.”

“But you know all about that, being sorry and having no words to say something when you know you should but you just can't”

“You don't ever want to corner something meaner than you.”