At times, he even admitted that he'd been more an observer of the world than a participant in it.

I am here to love you, to hold you in my arms, to protect you.

I’m stuck babysitting turtle eggs while a volleyball player slash grease monkey slash aquarium volunteer tries to hit on me.” I’m not hitting on you,” he protested. No?” Believe me, you’d know if I was hitting on you. You wouldn’t be able to stop yourself from succumbing to my charms.

Did you hear that Mitch? Your mom thinks you're beautiful.

It wasn't that long, and it certainly wasn't the kind of kiss you see in movies these days, but it was wonderful in its own way, and all I can remember about the moment is that when our lips touched, I knew the memory would last forever.

On the drive we talked easily, but we did make a small detour. After pulling into a rest stop, we made out like teenagers.

Sometimes you have to be apart from people you love, but that doesn't make you love them any less. Sometimes you love them more.