Ivan Goncharov

""The poor mother! This is the reward you get for your love. Is that what you expected? Well, the fact of the matter is that mothers don't expect rewards. There's no rhyme or reason — they just love.""

- Ivan Goncharov

""But don't worry, you have a mother. She won't sleep late. As long as a drop of blood remains in my veins, my eyes can still shed tears, and God tolerates my sins; if I don't have the strength to walk, I'll drag myself on my knees to the church door; I'll give up my last breath and offer up my last tear for you, my dear. I'll pray for your health, for your honors, promotions and decorations, and for every blessing that heaven and earth can bestow upon you. Surely Our Merciful Father will not reject the prayers of a poor old woman? I want nothing for myself. Let everything be taken from me, my health, my life, strike me blind, just as long as every joy, every happiness is granted you….”"

- Ivan Goncharov