I grew up north of Chicago, not far from where the Schwinn bicycle plant used to be, and was conscious of the fact that these beautiful, everlasting bikes were made just down the road.

Every time my brain parks the car neatly in the driveway, my mouth drives through the back of the garage.

In hospitals I feel palpable comfort. I feel the competence, the expertise, so much education and money, all of the supplies sterile, everything packaged, sealed tight. My fears evaporate when the automatic doors shush open.

All I ever wanted was to know what to do.

Once a year, she remembers that she is insignificant. Then she forgets agains, because more than she is insignificant, she is forgetful.

The raising of a child is the building of a cathedral. You can't cut corners.

I think I'm far too hopeful and trusting. That's something I got from my mum.