“it's the way we respond to such gifts that is up to us. We decide if our past hurts and pains are going to overshadow what is occurring right this moment.”

“But don't push happiness away because you're scared that it actually might end up hurting you. The beauty of loving is that you have to take chances to find real love. It is the critical component of love and loving. You have to take a leap of faith that it will work. It's the perfect example of hope.”

“You have been given a second chance to start your life over. You can't throw this opportunity away. If you do you will be a colossal fool. If you get the chance to do something and don't do it then you'll simply live with regret. That's a worse situation than trying something daring and maybe not succeeding. At least you tried. Isn't that what you want to show your kids?”

“I have everything I thought was important and nothing that really is.-Lily Francone”

“Well honey, seems innocent enough to me. He came in and fell in love with your buns.”

“Dear, you need to know something about love. When you love someone, you know it. When someone loves you, you know it. There is no question, no wondering, and no guessing. Love is felt within you, and if that is not there then it is very obvious.”

“I wrapped my hands around the familiar cup and tried to draw strength from it. It was from Thea's old Moss Rose set, remnant of careful scrimping and saving in her first year of marriage. Yet the mellow old cup now brought me no comfort, only a feeling of helplessness, of time slipping away. Sunday-best dishes gone to everyday and now to mismatched pieces. Like Thea and me”