Believe it or not, that was the first time I recognized that in some ways she was just like the rest of us.

In the eulogy by the graveside, I told everyone how my sister and I used to sing to each other on our birthday. I told them that, when I thought of my sister, I could still hear her laughter, sense her optimism, and feel her faith. I told them that my sister was the kindest person I;ve ever known, and that the world was a sadder place without her in it. And finally, I told them to remember my sister with a smile, like I did, for even though she was being buried near my parents, the best parts of her would always stay alive, deep within our hearts.

Never forget that anticipation is an important part of life. Work's important, family's important, but without excitement, you have nothing. You're cheating yourself if you refuse to enjoy what's coming.

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

How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?

She was everything I wanted. She was beautiful and charming, with a quick sense of humor, and she supported me in everything I did.

Yet I have come to believe that while the past is unchangeable, our perceptions of is are malleable.