I've run the Boston Marathon 6 times before. I think the best aspects of the marathon are the beautiful changes of the scenery along the route and the warmth of the people's support. I feel happier every time I enter this marathon.

As with marathon runs and lengths of toilet paper, there had to be standards to measure up to.

It's just that you're about to do something out of the ordinary. And after you do something like that, the everyday look of things might seem to change a little. Things may look different to you than they did before. But don't let appearances fool you. There's always only one reality.

The dead will always be dead, but we have to go on living.

People lose fifty million skin cells every day. The cells get scraped off and turn into invisible dust, and disappear into the air. Maybe we are nothing but skin cells as far as the world is concerned.

If you can love someone with your whole heart, even one person, then there's salvation in life. Even if you can't get together with that person.

"I believe you," she whispers after a moment. "Please find my mind."