“My mother always said to keep my eyes open for the unexpected good, the little treasures.”

“Expect the unexpected, my mother once said. Because the unexpected most certainly will be expecting you.”

“My mother always said 'Don't bother other people.' I think that's good advice.”

“When I was little I would always stand in front of a mirror and cross my eyes. Then my mother would come in and say, "Stop that, nothing will ever come of it!”

“My mother always called me 'sturdy' and said I have big bones. A little fat is what I am.”

“You moved my head so that it was lying in your lap. "Keep your eyes open," you said. "Stay with me."I tried. It felt like I was using every muscle in my face. But I did it. I saw you from upside down, your lips above my eyes and your eyes above my lips. "Talk to me," you said. My throat felt like it was closing up, as if my skin had swollen, making my throat a lump of solid flesh. I gripped your hand. "Keep watching me, then," you said. "Keep listening.”