I lead a simple life now, I am foolish, an old man in love, a dreamer who dreams of nothing but reading to… — Nicholas Sparks

I am nothing special; of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough.

"I can't make this decision for you, Allie, this one's all yours. I want you to know, though, that I love you. And I always will. I know that doesn't help, but it's all I can do."

"I know we've had our differences, Allie, and that we haven't seen eye to eye on everything. I'm not perfect, but I did the best I could with raising you. I'm your mother and I always will be. That means I'll always love you."

Allie was silent for a moment, then: "What should I do?"

"I don't know, Allie. That's up to you. But I would think about it. Think about what you really want."