“No," mom says, looking at me in the eyes. "What's a triumph is that you woke up this morning and decided to LIVE. THAT'S a triumph. that's what you did today.”

“What do you think of Chicago?Well, the telephone operator woke me up today and said, 'Good morning, Miss Lee. It's eight o'clock, and three below zero.”

“Good luck explaining to God that you used to spank one of his heavenly beings."Mom gave a startled laugh. "Sophie!""What? You did. I hope you like hot weather, Mom, that's all I'm saying.”

“She (my mom) said that when you need courage the most is when you realize what's happened in your life and you decide to get up the next morning anyway.”

“Are you okay?""Leave me alone, Charlie.""No, really. What's wrong?""You wouldn't understand.""I could try.""That's a laugh. That's really a laugh.""Do you want me to wake up Mom and Dad then?""No.""Well, maybe they could -""CHARLIE! SHUT UP! OKAY?! JUST SHUT UP!”

“This pool is a triumph of imagination. That's how you win at life, Gin. You have to imagine your way through. Never say something can't be done. There's always a solution, even if it's weird.”