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

“Love makes you want to be a better man—right, right. But maybe love, real love, also gives you permission to just be the man you are.”
― 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

“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