Growing up, I was utterly oblivious to the fact that Mom was teaching me all that. But I was instantly aware of her final lesson, which was hidden in her notes and leters. As I read them I began to understand that in the end you are the only one who can make yourself happy. More important, Mom showed me that it is never too late to find out how to do it.

Growing up, I was utterly oblivious to the fact that Mom was teaching me all that. But I was instantly aware of her final lesson, which was hidden in her notes and leters. As I read them I began to understand that in the end you are the only one who can make yourself happy. More important, Mom showed me that it is never too late to find out how to do it.

...it was so rich and exotic I was seduced into taking one bite and then another as I tried to chase the flavors back to their source.

I had done this. I had pulled my life apart. I would never, ever be safe again.

When people flatter you constantly it is very tempting to think you deserve it.

Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.

When a person has lived generously and fought fiercely, she deserves more than sadness at the end.