And my mother? Who knows where she’ll end up. Honestly it’s surprising that she isn’t here already. And my father? Who knows if I’ll ever even meet the guy before either of us make it to the grave.
-- Jarrett (Prologue)

Importance: This quote in the prologue represents the set up and foreshadowing of the rest of the memoir. This setting and scene is the end of the Prologue and the opening to the memoir. Jarrett thinks this to himself while visiting the Hope Cemetery in the City of Worcester, his hometown. His grandfather drives them there one day to visit his parents, and show Jarrett where his plot will be with his wife, Jarrett’s grandmother. This quote establishes the tone of mystery, anxiety, and wonder for the rest of the memoir. It also establishes one of the early themes of What is a Family? as Krosoczka spends much...