“Every house has its own private cup of sorrow. (3)”

“I can feel my heart growing daily, which has its uncomfortable aspects, as if it could fall with the weight of love and break.”

“During this week, Ragan has experience a bit of insecurity with me, the result of my being quieter than usual, which he interprets as being a withdrawal from him. “No,” I countered, “it is a withdrawal into myself.” I do not think the same need exists in him. Quiet can be the two of us reading silently. But he prefers that I be nearby. I need regular time without anybody else around in order to feel restored.”

“We were all so young that there were no lines on our faces to read between.”

“Mistakes are the usual bridge between inexperience and wisdom.”

“To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart.”

“His eyes were sharp but kind, and it seemed to amuse him to see children misbehave when he knew that deep down they didn't really want to misbehave, but were just feeling lonely or misunderstood or wanted to go outside and play instead of sitting in a hot classroom. (26)”