I used to believe that what Daddy said about no more pain was true. Like the Messiah himself would walk right through the courtroom and carry my daddy out. Now I know it’s up to us.
-- Tracy ("The Apple of Our Eye")

Importance: Tracy and her family are devoutly religious and believe in the overall goodness of the world and people for most of their lives. This quote is important because it shows that Tracy has given up on waiting for a miracle and has adopted the philosophy that she must do everything she can to make life better for herself and her family.

There’s nothing I’ve been able to control about what happened to Daddy. I’m broke. Can’t vote. Can’t afford a lawyer. But I’ve got control of my voice and my mind, and that means I can do at least one thing: write a letter.
-- Tracy ("The Apple of Our Eye")

Importance: Tracy feels out...