"True wealth is not measured in gold, but in the belief that hope is the anchor of a weary soul."

"In war there is no prize for runner-up."

"It is a unyielding truth that every season of life has its own unique blossom, if only we take care to notice."

"A visionary sees the unseen and knows the beauty of life is found in its imperfections."

"When people ask me about my story, I just go through the positive stuff: the tent-pole moments, the big landmark checkpoints."

"That bedrock faith that I could write was what blinded me to attempts to discourage me."

"The word 'leukemia' is a very frightening word. In many instances, it's a killer and it's something that you have to deal with in a very serious and determined way if you're going to beat it."

"The piano is a universal instrument. If you start there, learn your theory and how to read, you can go on to any other instrument."