Fresh Water for Flowers

by Valérie Perrin

Does a man who no longer loves a woman look at her as if she’s lost her mind?

It’s a luxury to be the owner of one’s time. I think it’s one of the greatest luxuries human beings can afford themselves.

There’s something stronger than death, and that’s the presence of those absent in the memory of the living.

“If Heaven there is, Heaven it will only be if I’m welcomed in by my dogs and cats.”

You must learn to be generous with your absence to those who haven’t understood the importance of your presence.

A mother’s love is a treasure that God gives only once.

“Because in life, one can never just start over. Take a piece of paper and tear it, you can stick each piece back together as much as you like, the tears will always remain, and the folds and the scotch tape.”

You’re no longer where you were, but you’re everywhere that I am.

She hid her tears but shared her smiles.

I think inheritance shouldn’t exist. I think we should give everything to the people we love while we’re alive. Our time and our money. Inheritances were invented by the Devil, to make families tear themselves apart. I only believe in donations while one is alive. Not in the promises of death.”