Hummingbird Quotes

“Mostly when I pray, I picture God holding my heart up very gently to his ear, like it’s one of those big, fancy seashells with an ocean sound inside it. I’ve got a thousand tiny oceans inside me. And I think God listens carefully to every crashing wave, all the fears and hopes. Even if he doesn’t answer every single prayer, I think he keeps my heart safe.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“You're a miracle because you exist. Everybody is.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“Mama and Jupiter have always told me that one person’s talent does not take away from your talent. Everybody in the world deserves joy.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“But giving a book you adore to a complete stranger is a terribly vulnerable feeling. I don’t know how librarians do it all day long.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“Sometimes life is gravy. Sometimes it's gravel. We get through all of it together.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“But I’m never embarrassed by love-you words. Maybe some people think that’s babyish, to tell your parents you love them. But I think love’s the best truth in the world. I’d sing it if I were a bird. I’d throw love in lightning bolts if I were a storm. But all I am is me, so I say it when I mean it.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“We believe three things in this class, Olive,” said Mr. Watson. “First, we believe that miracles surround us every day. We take time to notice them. Second, we believe every person deserves respect and kindness. And third, we believe an ink pen is a direct line to a person’s heart. Your words are a kind of magic you carry inside you. That’s why we write each morning—to turn the magic loose.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“That’s one of my favorite feelings in the world: pen to paper and a page full of words. I could write a thousand things in my lifetime—plays and poems and short stories and songs—and never, ever get sick of the way words feel when they spin out of my soul.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“Because no life should be a whisper. Remember that, okay? You’re not a miracle because you have brittle bones or because you use a wheelchair or walker. You’re not a miracle if you don’t. You’re a miracle because you exist. Everybody is.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“It’s not a terrible contraption,” I said. “What, honey?” She leaned in closer. Too close. Her breath smelled like old books and toothpaste. “My wheelchair isn’t terrible. It’s just a wheelchair. It’s neutral. It’s like a bicycle. Like a plane. Like a skateboard with a seat. Minus the half-pipes.” I laughed a little at my own joke. But she didn’t.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“Her voice was booming by the time she declared: “I believe God wants me to say something to you.” “He … does?” I asked. I sat up straighter in my wheelchair. I always assumed God would speak to me directly if he had something to say. But maybe that’s not how conversation with the divine works. “Yes, honey! I believe God wants me to tell you that your life will not always look … like this.” “Makes sense,” I said, slinking back against my chair as far as possible. For some reason, I felt smaller on account of the way she looked at me. Or maybe it was the way she was talking to me. My voice came out small, too. So I cleared my throat. “I mean, I’m only eleven. Life’s bound to change considerably.” She smiled and said, “I mean, you will not always be in this terrible contraption. Someday you’ll walk! You’ll jump right out of this chair! I believe God means to heal you.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“I’m used to people staring. Even if I’m not the one who starts it. A wheelchair is my normal, but I get that it’s not everybody’s normal. Maybe some people have never seen a wheelchair in person. Just like some people have never seen a two-headed trundle bird in person. I think a two-headed trundle bird is way cooler, is the thing. Natural wonders are worth staring at. A wheelchair’s just a mobility device.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“Fragile is what I’ll always be. I get that. But I am a thousand other things, too. I’m whole constellations of wonders and weirdness and hope.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“Banjo music sounds like sunshine on a string. Like a bumblebee square dance.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“A disabled girl can be weird and fun and cool and make mistakes. She doesn't have to be everybody's shining inspiration. But she can fall in love and have adventures and just live her life. Especially if all she needs is a freaking ramp.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“But I am a thousand other things, too. I’m whole constellations of wonders and weirdness and hope.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“When Bon Jovi wrapped his arms around me and smiled up into my face, my heart grew wings for the billionth time that day. He smelled like books and clean laundry. I loved him instantly, and I loved that he loved me.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“I’ve always figured marriage is like having a best friend around all the time, somebody you get to play Nintendo with and watch movies with and hold hands with.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“But I’m never embarrassed by love-you words. Maybe some people think that’s babyish, to tell your parents you love them. But I think love’s the best truth in the world. I’d sing it if I were a bird. I’d throw love in lightning bolts if I were a storm. But all I am is me, so I say it when I mean it. “Olive you right back,” I said out loud with a wink.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“Olive you.” Mama mouthed the words. That’s just a silly thing we say to each other sometimes, like a secret handshake with words.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“Mostly when I pray, I picture God holding my heart up very gently to his ear, like it’s one of those big, fancy seashells with an ocean sound inside it.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“FYI.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird

“I can’t change the bone-parts. But I do wish I could change how other people see me.”
― Natalie Lloyd, Hummingbird