Underneath the Sycamore Tree

by B. Celeste

“I find that the books with the saddest endings are the best because they make us feel. We don’t always get a happily ever after no matter how hard we work for it.”

Pain comes in countless forms. The worst is seeing what your suffering does to everyone around you.

Reality is ugly and painful and full of the kind of heartache that some books help you forget exist for a short period.

There are lots of quotes about time. Time is fleeting. Time is valuable. Time shouldn’t be wasted. The trouble with time is that we only think we have it. It’s an illusion—an excuse to linger in existence. Some people use it to be reckless; others use it to hold themselves back.

You are my sunshine.

Disease is the monster in the dark. It lingers, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. It rears its ugly head and takes what it wants, when it wants.

You’re my sunshine, baby girl. Then you’re my blue skies, Mama.

“Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It just means that it can no longer control our lives. I sincerely hope you remember that. I know a hurt soul when I see one, boy. You and Emery are one and the same, which means you’re also tough. It doesn’t matter what battle you’re fighting. It only matters that you’re willing to fight.”

The truth is you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.