The Cider House Rules

by John Irving

Olive herself had died in Cape Kenneth Hospital before the war was over, even before they’d sent Wally home. It was an inoperable cancer, which spread very quickly after they’d done the exploratory.

“It’s not right to hurt or deceive someone who’s already been hurt and deceived, Candy,”

My son,” Olive said, “don’t blame anyone. Blame will kill you.”

You’re going to want him to know you’re his real father, because of you—not because he’s going to need to know. The problem is, you’re going to need to tell. You and Candy. You’re going to be proud. It will be for you, and not for Angel, that you’re going to want to tell him he’s no orphan.”

“Here in St. Cloud’s we have just one problem. His name is Homer Wells. He’s a problem, wherever he goes.”

This resonated with me deeply. I understand whole-heartedly how much Larch loved Homer. It's the kind of love only a parent can have for a child. You love him, but he continuously disappoints you. And there lies the rub.