Parents were the only ones obligated to love you; from the rest of the world you had to earn it.

There must be a stronger foundation than mere friendship or sexual attraction. Unconditional love, agape love, will not be swayed by time or circumstances.

The only way love can last a lifetime is if it's unconditional. The truth is this: love is not determined by the one being loved but rather by the one choosing to love.

You broke up with him," a combination Effie-Carmen voice in her head reminded her.

"But that didn't mean you were allowed to stop loving me," she felt like saying to him.

A child's laughter brings more than joy, it illuminates your heart and soul.

You know what the secret is? It's so simple. We love one another. We're nice to one another. Do you know how rare that is? - Carmen