Long after Salinger sent me away, I continued to believe his standards and expectations were the best ones.

To share our stories is not only a worthwhile endeavor for the storyteller, but for those who hear our stories and feel less alone because of it.

For a parent, it's hard to recognize the significance of your work when you're immersed in the mundane details. Few of us, as we run the bath water or spread the peanut butter on the bread, proclaim proudly, "I'm making my contribution to the future of the planet." But with the exception of global hunger, few jobs in the world of paychecks and promotions compare in significance to the job of parent.

Although Salinger had long since cut me out of his life completely and made it plain that he had nothing but contempt for me, the thought of becoming the object of his wrath was more than I felt ready to take on.

A person who deserves my loyalty receives it.

Every child, woman, and man should possess license to speak or sing in his or her true voice.

A good home must be made, not bought. In the end, it's not track lighting or a sun room that brings light into a kitchen.