"That loss determines my identity; not all of my identity, but much of it. It belongs within my story. I struggle indeed to go beyond merely owning my grief toward owning it redemptively. But I will not and cannot disown it. I shall remember Eric. Lament is part of life." Preface, Page 6

"For three seconds I felt the peace of resignation: arms extended, limp son in hand, peacefully offering him to someone- Someone. Then the pain- cold burning pain." Page 9

"We took him too much for granted. Perhaps we all take each other too much for granted. The routines of life distract us; our own pursuits make us oblivious; our anxieties and sorrows, unmindful. We do not treasure each other enough." Page 13

"I didn't know how much I loved him until he was gone. Is love like that?" Page 13

"When we gather now there's always someone missing, his...