Know that although in the eternal scheme of things you are small, you are also unique and irreplaceable, as are all your fellow humans everywhere in the world.
Margaret LaurenceRead
In some families, please is described as the magic word. In our house, however, it was sorry.
Interpretation
In this quote, 'sorry' holds greater significance in the family's interactions than 'please'.
Margaret Laurence's quote highlights the importance of acknowledging mistakes and taking responsibility within familial relationships. Rather than just being polite with words like 'please', the emphasis on 'sorry' suggests that in her family, owning up to faults and expressing genuine remorse were key to maintaining strong bonds and fostering an environment of understanding and forgiveness.
In practice
During a family gathering, someone might reflect on past disagreements and quote this to emphasize the importance of apologies.
Know that although in the eternal scheme of things you are small, you are also unique and irreplaceable, as are all your fellow humans everywhere in the world.
The second you are handed a newborn it is yours. It doesn’t matter what body it came out of. I’ve never felt more strongly about anything in my life.
By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class.
We believed in our grandmother’s cooking more fervently than we believed in God.
I've seen fathers criticizing their sons the moment a game's over. Not my dad. It doesn't matter if I threw an interception or a Hail Mary, he always says, 'Good job, son, I'm proud of you.' Then he shakes my hand and gives me a hug. Every time.
The word dysfunction has, I think, served its purpose and now has lost its meaning. Every family, like every person, is imperfect, after all. The idea that there is a family somewhere who functions, is an odd concept. In my youth I was running from my family to try to find out who I was-their influence distracted me. Now I see what a powerful hold they have, no matter what.
And now I also see what part of me is Chinese. It is so obvious. It is my family. It is in our blood.
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