I’ve had to step away from writing for a day or two—one of my littles is under the weather, which means it’s time for a mandatory sick-day screening of The Princess Bride.

My dad took me to see it in the theater when I was a little girl, and decades later, I can still quote it word for word, the way some trained actors know their Shakespeare. This movie may be one of the works of art I know best, and perhaps that’s something to be proud of.

After all, it contains most of life’s most important lessons:

• The Art of the Intro: An excellent introduction is its own kind of swordplay (Inigo Montoya, I salute you).

• Respect: Your opponent need not be your enemy (“I would sooner destroy a stained glass window than an artist like yourself…).

• Perspective: If you can notice that the trees are actually quite lovely—even while trudging through the Fire Swamp—you’re going to be all right.

• Wit: “Warthog-faced buffoon” remains, quite simply, one of the greatest insults of all time.

Bonus wisdom: Should you ever meet three strangers in the woods who introduce themselves as “poor, lost circus performers,” run! 

“Inconceivable!” is a perfect response to an unanticipated situation. 

Finally, death cannot stop true love; all it can do is delay it a while. 

You can’t bottle up a sick-day snuggle or tuck it into a time capsule, but it’s its own kind of heirloom—warm, fleeting, and full of love. The best I can do is pass along the tradition: snuggled under a quilt, watching a beloved movie, whispering “As You Wish” to my sleepy boy.

I’ll be back storming the castle soon, but until then, remember: never go in against a Sicilian (or a toddler in need of a nap) when death is on the line! ⚔️🏰