Be creative, be useful, be practical, be generous and finish big

Don't aim for perfect. Aim for complete. Perfection is an unattainable illusion.

I have a son,' says JJ, marveling at the sound and truth of the words...

'You know, I love you and Mom... But I don't even know this baby and the love- ' JJ clears his throat and wipes his suddenly wet eyes with the back of his hand. 'It's bigger. I'd lie down in traffic for him right now. I didn't know it could get bigger.'

Joe nods. 'This is only the beginning.

She wished she had cancer instead. She'd trade Alzheimer's for cancer in a heartbeat. She felt ashamed for wishing this, and it was certainly a pointless bargaining, but she permitted herself the fantasy anyway. With cancer, she'd have something to fight. There was surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. There was the chance that she could win. Her family and the community at Harvard would rally behind her battle and consider it noble. And even if it defeated her in the end, she'd be able to look them knowingly in the eye and say good-bye before she left.

When you don’t have much, having less isn’t so bad.

Somehow difficulties are easier to endure when you know your dream is waiting for you at the end.