“Please remember that you can talk to me about anything. I know it’s hard to talk to your old mom about things, but I’ll always help you in whatever way I can. I’m serious. You have to remember that I used to hold you right here in my arms.”

“Sadly, peaks and valleys are a part of life. You are resilient and you will come out of this stronger than you ever thought possible. Trust me—I know. It’s crucial to remain positive and optimistic.”

“I was good at fabricating the truth when necessary to protect someone, even myself.”

“Then again, I had become a disappointment. It’s easier to find fault with a disappointment.”

“I think we’ve all lost our minds a bit.” It sounded like she was fighting back tears.”

“I could feel the tears streaming down my face—in some kind of frenzied competition with the rain. At first, I tried to brush the tears away, but I finally let them take their course, unabated.”

“Please remember that you can talk to me about anything. I know it’s hard to talk to your old mom about things, but I’ll always help you in whatever way I can. I’m serious. You have to remember that I used to hold you right here in my arms.”

“At a certain point, unabashed optimism becomes delusional insanity.”