I'm less worried about accomplishment - as younger people always can't help but be - and more concerned with spending my time well, spending time with my family, and reading, learning things.

Darling, You asked me to write you a letter, so I am writing you a letter. I do not know why I am writing you this letter, or what this letter is supposed to be about, but I am writing it nonetheless, because I love you very much and trust that you have some good purpose for having me write this letter. I hope that one day you will have the experience of doing something you do not understand for someone you love. Your father

Kids are a great analogy. You want your kids to grow up, and you don't want your kids to grow up. You want your kids to become independent of you, but it's also a parent's worst nightmare: That they won't need you. It's like the real tragedy of parenting.

To remember my values, I need to lose certain tastes and find other handles for the memories that they once helped me carry.

In my family, Father is the world champion at ending conversations.

I put my hand on the doorknob because I thought maybe her hand was on the doorknob on the other side.

We all choose things, and we also all choose against things. I want to be the kind of person who chooses for more than chooses against.