A wise mother knows: It is her state of consciousness that matters. Her gentleness and clarity command respect. Her love creates security.

Remember that every child and every parent has a completely unique and special rela- tionship. That child knows his dad and loves his dad. Our job is to watch that communication, to nurture it, and to support the parents in their heart-to-heart relationships with their children

What she did have, after raising two children, was the equivalent of a PhD in mothering and my undying respect.

Gentleness is a wonderful way to love someone.

I have seen him climbing a tree while she stood beneath him in unutterable anguish; she had to let him climb, for boys must be brave, but I am sure that, as she watched him, she fell from every branch.

She has been putting qualities into David, altering him, turning him forever on a lathe since the day she first knew him, and indeed long before, and all so deftly that he is still called a child of nature.