“My mother died of metastatic colorectal cancer shortly before three P....” — Meghan O'Rourke Quote

“My mother died of metastatic colorectal cancer shortly before three P.M. on Christmas Day of 2008. I don't know the exact time of her death, because none of us thought to look at a clock for a while after she stopped breathing.”

“It's all too easy when talking about female gymnasts to fall into the trap of infantilizing them, spending more time worrying more about female vulnerability than we do celebrating female strength.”

“'Hamlet' is the best description of grief I've read because it dramatizes grief rather than merely describing it.”

“It's not exactly calm at Christmas. It's a bit like the Simpsons appearing in a pasta advert - lots of bickering, crazy pets, and plenty of tomato sauce!”

“My grandfather built a basketball court for me when I was 3 years old as a Christmas present, and I would go back there every day all day and just play basketball.”

“There are those who argue that the public celebration of festivals such as Christmas should be discouraged, in the questionable belief that it might somehow offend those of other religions or none.”