This is the first book I’ve read by Elizabeth Berg. This short book was an easy read, but I was captivated by the characters. She seems to let on just enough about each character throughout the book to keep you hanging on.

I loved the following quote, “All your life, you’re going to run into situations where you have to decide whether or not to take a stand. Sometimes it just isn’t worth it. But other times it is. Not only is it worth it, it’s vital. It makes you the person that you are. You have to honor what you know is true, or bit by bit, you die inside.”

This coming from a mother paralyzed from the neck down, who was left by her husband, and decided to raise her daughter on her own. It makes all the choices and decisions I make seem insignificant and petty. I think back on all the situations I’ve encountered where I’ve sat on the sidelines and let life happen.

That makes me the person I am just as much as taking a stand. Now, whether that is good or bad is a completely different story. But I guess the point – and question – I should be focusing on is, what kind of person do I want to be? Am I going to let those decisions and situations define me? Or will the person I strive to be…no…will the person I am, decide to stand for what I believe is right?

Right for me, my girls, my family, my friends. Although I’ve not seen that quote previous to reading the book, there are times when that same thought has crossed my mind. Points of time when I am between making a decision – especially ones that involve my girls. Sometimes I close my mouth and sometimes I don’t. In both cases I’ve felt disappointment and pride.

So, I suppose that although it is you who ultimately makes the choice and decision, you who controls your actions…or reactions based on your beliefs and strength, the outcome can define you just as much as your purpose in making those choices.