The way I see it, religion, has done our family more harm than good. For me, faith has never been a source of comfort... For herself, Mela always missed having that sense of identity. She had a longing to belong... Long ago, we found that compromise.

With all her heart, Mom believed in opportunity for everyone and privilege for no one. She put her children first, and her faith and trust in the American dream.

I've made my peace. He will always be part of me. I don't need to watch him die. I am just glad I was able to watch him live.

Life does find a way to create a balance somewhere between smiles and tears. And, like a pendulum's swing, life seldom stays in one place. Life keeps on moving until, one day, it stops.

He told me that what he owned and accumulated didn't matter. He still had his family. We still had our future. Go forward, You can't look back. It will destroy you if you do... Ever since that day, I have seen the world through a different prism.

I thought those were others. Soon, I was to learn that they were us.

Nothing about these times makes any sense. Nothing. Putting it to words only makes it sound too simple.

Visit me before I die. We can enjoy one another's company. A funeral is a rather one-sided affair.

My parents have lived longer than most and have expected very little. We have been blessed in too many ways to count.

Is there a magical age when children become parents to their parents?