When you grow old, as I am, you pretty much live in the accumulations of life anyway.
-- Frank (Story 1 "I'm Here" paragraph 13)

Importance: This quote sums up how Frank feels about getting older. He is handling his aging as a normal occurrence and nothing too dramatic. Frank also realizes that over the years he has done more things to look back on than things to look forward to. This also shows the nonchalant attitude he has taken towards life in general.

Patent gestures of kindness, commiseration, fellow-feeling, shared sorrow, and empathy - all are weak sisters in the fight against real loss.
-- Frank (Story 1: "I'm Here" paragraph 31)

Importance: The effects of Hurricane Sandy along the New Jersey shore are gigantic as many homes, including Frank's former home, have been destroyed. This quote symbolizes the feeling that Frank has towards the aftermath of this catastrophe. Frank understands the feelings of the people around him as they try to stand together and act as...