He thrived with passion and compassion, humor and style. We had him whether we know who he was or did not know, he was ours and we were his.

I love the melodies in the Old Testament, how preachers highlight them when they read from the Scripture. But I was influenced forever by the New Testament. I love the Beatitudes, informing us that the meek shall inherit the earth.

Don't let anybody raise you. You've been raised.

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.

I liked to write from the time I was about 12 or 13. I loved to read. And since I only spoke to my brother, I would write down my thoughts. And I think I wrote some of the worst poetry west of the Rockies. But by the time I was in my 20s, I found myself writing little essays and more poetry - writing at writing.

Each of us has the power and responsibility to become a rainbow in the clouds.

Some of us are timid. We think we have something to lose so we don't try for that next hill.