Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn't we?
I tell myself that God gave my children many gifts - spirit, beauty, intelligence, the capacity to make friends and to inspire respect. There was only one gift he held back - length of life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a mother's acknowledgment of the many gifts her children possess while lamenting the brevity of life.
In this quote, Rose Kennedy expresses a heartfelt sentiment about the gifts that her children possess, such as spirit, beauty, intelligence, and the ability to build friendships and command respect. However, she poignantly recognizes that despite these wonderful attributes, they are ultimately limited by the gift of life itself, which is finite. This reflects a deep understanding of both the blessings and limitations inherent in human existence.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech at a family reunion, this quote can remind everyone of the importance of cherishing family relationships.
More from Rose Kennedy
All quotes →Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments.
Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them?
I would much rather be known as the mother of a great son than the author of a great book or the painter of a great masterpiece.
Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?
Similar quotes
My mother groaned, my father wept, into the dangerous world I leapt.
Family life is the backbone of mankind, and that life is dependent upon mutual giving, sharing, and receiving from each other. It entails the proper use of each other's successes and failures for mutual up-building.
My mother was the greatest mother in the world. She thought I was the greatest thing on two feet. I'd come home with a little composition I had written at school, and she'd look at it and say, 'It's wonderful! You're another Shakespeare!' I always assumed I could do anything. It really is amazing how much that has to do with your attitude.
To you who are parents, I say, show love to your children. You know you love them, but make certain they know it as well. They are so precious. Let them know. Call upon our Heavenly Father for help as you care for their needs each day and as you deal with the challenges which inevitably come with parenthood. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them.
When people can't feed their children, nothing else positive happens. You don't have to look farther than the United States to see that.
A couple of years before he died, I kissed my father goodbye. He said, 'Son, you haven't kissed me since you were a little boy.' It went straight to my heart, and I kissed him whenever I saw him after that, and my sons and I always kiss whenever we meet.