1. My brother, sister and I thought this was gross!
My brother, sister, and I thought this (kissing in public) was not cool.

2. Because there was always so much love in the family, I grew up with an incredible security blanket.
Because there was so much love in the family, I grew up feeling very safe and secure.

3. Despite his worry, Dad was a pillar of strength for us and especially for her.
Though he was worrying about Mom, Dad was the backbone of the family, and this encouraged all of us, especially Mom.

4. He never criticized, but used praise to bring out our best.
He never used harsh words on us, but encouraged us to do our best.

5. He’d say, “If you pour water on flowers, they fourish. If you don’t give them water, they die.”
He’d say flowers bloom with water but die without it.

6. Any time you say something unpleasant about somebody else, it’s a reflection of you.
When you speak unkindly about another, you make yourself look bad.

7. He explained that if I looked for the best in people, I would get the best in return.
He explained that if I expected people to do well, they would try to give me their best.

8. Dad tried to sway me from my decision ...
Dad tried to persuade me to change my mind ...

9. Hang in there and things will improve.
Keep trying harder and harder and the situation will get better.