I found out that people are incredibly compassionate and kind. It really changed my view of the world.

Mom could say that in hindsight, but it seemed to me that when you were in the middle of something, it was awful hard to figure out what part of it was God's will and what wasn't.

I never had any question that my parents loved me. I had a real sense of self confidence.

No one expected you to amount to much," she told me. "Lori was the smart one, Maureen the pretty one, and Brian the brave one. You never had much going for you except that you always worked hard.

Teaching is a calling too. And I've always thought that teachers in their way are holy - angels leading their flocks out of the darkness.

Once you'd resolved to go, there was nothing to it at all.

Don't be afraid of your dark places. ... If you can shine a light on them, you'll find treasure there.