Happiness is making the most of what you have, and riches is making the most of what you've got.

The greatest gift a parent can leave a child is that parent's own independence.

It was good, and nothing good is truly lost. It stays part of a person, becomes part of their character. So part of you goes everywhere with me. And part of me is yours, forever

And the wicked thing is, that when we're really upset, we always take it out on the people who are closest and whom we love the most.

Writing is work, but it's also a compulsion, and once you get your characters on paper, you can't abandon them. You have to respond to them.

Beyond the pain, life continues to be sweet. The basics are still there. Beauty, food and friendship, reservoirs of love and understanding. Later, possibly not yet, you are going to need others who will encourage you to make new beginnings. Welcome them. They will help you move on, to cherish happy memories and confront the painful ones with more than bitterness and anger.

Life is so extraordinary. Wonderful surprises are just around the most unexpected corners.