The cake had a trick candle that wouldn't go out, so I didn't get my wish. Which was just that it would always be like this, that my life could be a party just for me.

For years Melody had been making the same wish on every birthday candle, eyelash, wishbone, and shooting star that came her way, and now it had finally come true.

Michael, "I never expected the wish to come true."

The Trout, "Great Oceans! Why bother to wish it, then? I call that simply a waste of time.

What can I say about life? Do I praise it for letting you live, or damn it for allowing the rest?

They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.

[His last posting came on July 29, Jennings' birthday.] Many thanks to all of you for your birthday wishes, ... Your words -- as always -- are a great source of strength. I am celebrating today with my family -- we are all grateful.