There is a point at which everything becomes simple and there is no longer any question of choice, because all you have staked will be lost if you look back. Life's point of no return.
Time goes by: reputation increases, ability declines.
Time goes by, reputation increases, ability declines.
Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for.
If only I may grow: firmer, simpler, quieter, warmer.
Constant attention by a good nurse may be just as important as a major operation by a surgeon.