But there's nothing funny about being confined to a wheelchair. And no place for humor when you are mourning the loss of your best friend.”
-- Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: Sam sees many differences in Jamie, including that he was always happy and smiling until recently, but that he cannot find the humor in any situation now. She explains the reason for his attitude here, and this is the first time the reader sees that Jamie's best friend died in the accident that put Jamie in a wheelchair.

Jackie and Bill nurtured their boys over the years, but they failed to nurture their marriage.”
-- Narrator (chapter 4)

Importance: Jackie is beginning to be a little more honest about her relationship with Bill and her sons, and that she has not done her best in either of those. Time will pass, and Jackie will have to face a crisis when Cooper takes a serious fall before she is willing to...