The truth is, there is no line. There's only your life, how you mess it up, and who is there to save you. Or who isn't.

but then she did. she died. no more visits, no more phone calls. And without even realizing it, I began to drift, as if my roots had been pulled, as if I were floating down some side branch of a river.

But hurting ourselves to inflict pain on others is just another cry to be loved.

You know what really offers you satisfaction? Offering others what you have to give.

You count the hours you could have spent with your mother. It's a lifetime in itself.

The word 'commitment' has lost it's meaning. I'm old enough to remember when it used to be positive. A commited person was someone to be admired. He was loyal and steady. Now a commitment is something you avoid. You don't want to tie yourself down.

Sacrifice is a part of life. It’s supposed to be. It’s not something to regret. It’s something to aspire to. Little sacrifices. Big sacrifices. A mother works so her son can go to school. A daughter moves home to take care of her sick father.