My father was dying and I was pregnant. Both struck me as impossibly unreal.
-- Edwidge (Narration) (1 - "Have You Enjoyed Your Life?")

Importance: This line of narration reflects Edwidge's overwhelmed emotional state. In one day, she learned that her father would likely die in a year or two, and she also learned that she was pregnant for the first time. These occurrences are both quite daunting, but their juxtaposition also reflects the continuation of life in the face of death.

I thank God for all of you. I thank God for your mother. Yes, you can say I have enjoyed my life.
-- Mira (1 - "Have You Enjoyed Your Life?")

Importance: After Mira was given a terminal prognosis, his son Bob asked him if he had enjoyed his life. Mira responded that although his life was often quite difficult, it was worth the struggle to have the love of his wife and children. These statements reflect the power of love and family connections in the face of personal...