There are other people who have it a lot worse

When I was driving home, I just thought about the word 'special'. And I thought the last person who said that about me was my Aunt Helen. I was very grateful to have heard it again. Because I guess we all forget sometimes. And I think everyone is special in their own way. I really do.

As we all know, when you're an athlete things are a little bit easier for you. It didn't mean that what was going on inside my heart wasn't a bit of a thunderstorm, but outwardly I got along ok. I was really shy in seventh grade.

Old pictures look very rugged and young, and the people in the photographs always seem a lot happier than you are.

It's kind of like when you look at yourself in the mirror and you say your name. And it gets to a point where none of it seems real.

Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn't stop for anybody.

I said no to having a beer. I once had a beer with my brother when I was twelve, and I just didn't like it. It's really that simple for me. [pp.37]