My mother was French Protestant, and my father was Italian Catholic, and their union was an excess of God, guilt and sauce.

Sometimes, love brings you together even as life keeps you apart.

You've lived through a lot of wars, I said. "Yes." Do they ever make more sense? "No.

Kids chase the love that eludes them.

As children grow, they gravitate to their fates.

if you find one true friend in your life, you're richer than most. If that one true friend is your husband, you're blessed." She paused. "And if that one true friend is your sister, don't feel bad. At least, she can't divorce you.

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.