More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
The biggest part of my anxiety disorder was the overwhelming fear of being trapped. It was why I didn’t do crowds, traffic, public transportation, or small spaces—yet I could be okay walking outside in a busy city. Exercising control to remove myself from the situation helped alleviate the anxiety.
You asked me whether I still believe in God. I feel like God’s presence waxes and wanes in our lives, but yes, I do believe He or She exists. The times we feel more distanced from God are the times when we’re suffering or in pain. Despite the lack of strength during those times, God makes us work our way back to Him again. Then He rewards us for our faith and perseverance. I sometimes feel like reconnecting with you is an example of a reward, of the way God works His magic sometimes. Faith isn’t easy. I don’t think we’re supposed to have all the answers or to understand why bad things happen.
“It’s okay. I know you, Luca. Being scared only lasts for a little while, then you do something brave. We’re not in a rush. We’ve waited so many years already. What’s a little longer?”
What comes easy won’t last long, and what lasts long won’t come easy.”
“Sometimes when love isn’t enough to make things right, we need to let it go.”
“We all have light and dark inside us, love. We try to hide the darkness from others because we’re afraid it will scare them away. But your dark doesn’t scare me, Luca. It only makes me want to hold your hand and be your light until you can find your own again. That’s what people do when they’re in love. I won’t always be able to give you your light back, because sometimes you need to find that within yourself, but I’ll stand by your side and hold your hand in the dark so things aren’t so scary.”
“In case I wasn’t clear, love is enough for me, Luca. But you have to let me love you.”
And it’s your life. Your freaking life! Please don’t throw this away because of fear. You’ll never get it back. And it’s . . . magic. Pure magic.”
That’s when I realized that I was a weirdo, but my new best friend loved me anyway.
You always laugh at my bad jokes. You’re the kindest person I know. You taught me to follow my dreams by watching you chase your own down. You can’t wait to wake up tomorrow to experience life. You always have a smile on your face. You’re fearless.
“I truly feel like your Izzy has been instrumental in guiding us back together. I wanted to honor her. I know it was supposed to be her getting the matching tattoo with you, but I hope I can stand in her place . . . in her honor.”
