So, she tells me, the words dribbling out with the cranberry muffin crumbs, commas dunked in her coffee.

I reach for funny books all the time to help me get through life.

The light beyond my eyes flashflashflashes with a hundred futures for me. Doctor. Ship's captain. Forest ranger. Librarian. Beloved of that man or that women or those children or those people who voted for me or who painted my picture. Poet. Acrobat. Engineer. Friend. Guardian. Avenging whirlwind. A million futures--not all pretty, not all long, but all of them mine. I do have a choice" - p. 271

Having to parent your mother or father is a challenge that way too many teens have to deal with. Teens whose parents are dealing with substance abuse, financial hardship, job loss, mental illness and divorce deserve our love, support, and compassion. I wish America would stop judging and criticizing teens and instead, try to understand the battles they have to fight every day.

I am learning how to be angry and sad and lonely and joyful and excited and afraid and happy.

I'm learning how to taste everything.

Nothing is perfect. Flaws are interesting. Be the tree.