The One and Only Family

by Katherine Applegate

Whatever your species, there’s no force of nature more terrifying than a toddler tantrum.

When time tells a story, surprises are the one thing you can count on.

I tried to believe in myself, and on the days when I couldn’t, I had friends who believed in me.

I wonder if everyone carries the weight of secret sadness with them. Perhaps if it weren’t secret, it wouldn’t be such a burden.

It’s been a long time now since she passed away. You’d think the missing would end. But it doesn’t. It just softens around the edges. Instead of a hurting place to avoid, it becomes a healing place to seek out.

Sometimes when the world gets stormy, the sameness of everyday life can feel like a life raft.

“Bob wants us to call the boy ‘Bob.’” Kinyani laughs. “And the girl?” “Bobettina,” I reply. “Bob is delusional,” says Kinyani,

I knew I was in trouble. But then I remembered the go-to answer that has saved countless dads since the beginning of time. “Good question,” I said. “Go ask your mommy.”