Tanya (mom's small victories)

“I was told love should be unconditional. That's the rule, everyone says so. But if love has no boundaries, no limits, no conditions, why should anyone try to do the right thing ever? If I know I am loved no matter what, where is the challenge? I am supposed to love Nick despite all his shortcomings. And Nick is supposed to love me despite my quirks. But clearly, neither of us does. It makes me think that everyone is very wrong, that love should have many conditions. Love should require both partners to be their very best at all times.”
― Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl

“You got dealt some crappy cards. But you're the one who has to decide how to play them.”
― Diane Chamberlain, The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes

“It has been more than twenty years since she lost her two daughters here, the one who was never given a name or a life, and her precious Usha. With thoughts of Usha comes the physical ache in her heart. There has not been a day since Usha’s birth that Kavita has not thought of her, mourned her loss, and prayed for the hollow feelings of grief to melt away. But God has not listened. Or else he has not yet forgiven her. Because the heartache has endured.”
― Shilpi Somaya Gowda, Secret Daughter

“Only, his email is there. I check the date and time of his note. As of this morning, Dad was still alive in Afghanistan. I try not to think about it this way, but I can't help it.”
― Valerie O. Patterson, Operation Oleander