Prayer is talking to something or anything with which we seek union, even if we are bitter or insane or broken. (In fact, these are probably the best possible conditions under which to pray.) Prayer is taking a chance that against all odds and past history, we are loved and chosen, and do not have to get it together before we show up.

And as it turns out, if one person is praying for you, buckle up. Things can happen.

I think that is why we stay close to our families, no matter how neurotic the members, how deeply annoying or dull- because when people have seen you at your worst, you don’t have to put on the mask as much.

I get thirsty people glasses of water, even if that thirsty person is just me.

One thing I know for sure about raising children is that every single day a kid needs discipline.... But also every single day a kid needs a break.

Rule 1: When all else fails, follow instructions. And Rule 2: Don't be an asshole.

I loved every second of Catholic church. I loved the sickly sweet rotting-pomegranate smells of the incense. I loved the overwrought altar, the birdbath of holy water, the votive candles; I loved that there was a poor box, the stations of the cross rendered in stained glass on the windows.