Isaac sneezed a very cute baby sneeze in response, and Jill looked as though he'd just risen up from her arms a full-grown man and recited a few Shakespearean sonnets.
Nothing's worth the loss of a child.
I have no defense, except that until I get to know someone really well, it's easier for me to be a normal, single guy. Because it's way too complicated to be who I really am. I'm a full-time dad. I'm a working parent. I'm a mother and a father. I'm a guy who reads parenting books and cookbooks before I go to sleep. I spend my weekends buying tutus. I'm learning to sew. I'm Mr. Napkin Head. I'm on some kind of constant overload and it helps to compartmentalize my life. Just till I figure this out.
It takes three to make a child.
Your Honor, in the past two months, I've secured a residence, I refurbished that residence. And made it «an environment fit for children». Those are your words. And I'm also holding down a job as a shipping clerk. So I — I believe I met your requirements. Ahead of schedule. In regards to my behavior, I can only plead insanity. Because, ever since my children were born, the moment I looked at them, I was crazy about them. Once I held them, I was hooked. I'm addicted to my children, sir. I love them with all my heart. And the idea of someone telling me I can't be with them, I can't see them every day... It's like someone saying I can't have air. I can't live without air, and I can't live without them. Listen, I would do anything. I just want to be with them. You know I need that, sir. We have a history. And I just... They mean everything to me. And they need me as much as I need them. So, please. Don't take my kids away from me. Thank you.
– Come on, man, have some decency here, 'Worm'. You can buy all the smokes you want in half an hour.
– What are you talking about?! I won these fair and square...
– You don't even smoke, 'Worm'.
– Jesus, you guys are such fuckin' babies! You know that? If you're determined to die of cancer, you really oughta learn how to play cards.
– It's an appalling school. Your spelling's atrocious. Your Latin absurd.
– Mr. Davis said it was as useful to educate a woman as a cat…
– I'll strangle Mr. Davis!..
– "Mr. Davis... What right have you to strike a child? In God's eyes we are all children. If you hit and humiliate a child, – the only lesson she will learn is to hit and humiliate".
These children are now safe. In our care, they will be safe because we are from the same cold streets as they are. And, in our care, they won't be shipped away to the colonies, or separated from kin, or made to work for men in their various ways. They will grow up here, at home, loved. In Birmingham. Because this is our city.
Explanation:
Thomas at the opening of a shelter for children.