Author of quotes: Micah Sparks

She was the center of our family wheel. And we were spokes. She died and our center was gone. Perhaps that is why her loss is so painful. We not only lost our mother, we had to become a different family.

That's why I love you, Mikka, is that you are always ready to offer constructive criticism.

Kat and I wanted to live according to the American

In the first year of marriage, life continually tested our strength, but fortunately, this only brought Kat and me closer.

Like most young people, I presumptuously thought I knew more about running a business than I actually did, and soon ran into debt that far exceeded our annual family income. I worked almost day and night for months, but still I was not sure that I could pay my debts and stay afloat.

I had no idea what I would see in Cambodia. Tragedy here goes hand in hand with hope for the best. A land of contrasts. A country struggling to leave the past behind and prosper.

I started working as an assistant real estate appraiser for a local company, staying on as a waiter and writing books at night, and gradually saved up for a small diamond ring. I presented it to Keti and she agreed to become my wife.

After graduating with honors, I thought about what to do next. I have always believed that, since I do not neglect the rules, the world itself will pave the way to the door of my house. But the world didn't seem to care. Waiter is my first job. Even with a degree, I received the minimum wage.

Reunions are always difficult. If alienation has grown over the years, sometimes it cannot be overcome.

Mom sacrificed a lot for us, her dreams always came second.

Everyone has dreams. And even if yours did not come true the way you wanted, this will not make me less proud of you. Many do not even try to make their dreams come true.

And if my next dream does not come true again, I still will not stop dreaming. When you follow your dream, you will know yourself.

Deep down I envied Mika's way of life. I admired my brother's ability to simply live, without having to achieve anything.

I hate poverty. And I always hated it. I have no idea what I'll be doing when I'm older, but I certainly won't be poor.