Never in his life had Edward been cradled like a baby. Abilene had not done it. Nor had Nellie. And most certainly, Bull had not. It was a singular sensation to be held so gently and yet so fiercely, to be stared down at with so much love. Edward felt the whole of his china body flood with warmth. (page 128)
Interpretation
The quote expresses the warmth and affection that comes from being held lovingly.
In this passage, Edward experiences a profound moment of comfort and affection as he is cradled, something he has never felt before. This gentle yet fierce holding signifies a deep emotional connection and the warmth of love, flooding him with feelings of safety and belonging that he had previously been deprived of throughout his life.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of love and nurturing, this quote can illustrate the profound impact of gentle affection.
If you sit down and read with your kid, either having your child read to you or you reading to your child at a regular time each day, it deepens the relationship. You don't have to talk about stuff; the story will do that work for you.
I want to remind people of the great and profound joy that can be found in stories, and that stories can connect us to each other, and that reading together changes everybody involved.
If you want to be a writer, write a little bit every day. Pay attention to the world around you. Stories are hiding, waiting everywhere. You just have to open your eyes and your heart.
I was lucky enough to have a mother who took me to the library - the public library - twice a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays. And also bought me books. And also read aloud to me.
There is no right or wrong way to tell a story. You have to find your own way. You can get your idea from listening, looking, or imagining. Stories are everywhere. All you have to do is pay attention.
Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.
Every time we open our hearts, we create the space for a global alternative.
Matthew,' she said, 'have you ever loved someone and it became yourself?' For a moment he did not answer. Taking up the decanter he held it to the light. 'Robin can go anywhere, do anything,' Nora continued, 'because she forgets, and I nowhere because I remember.' She came toward him. 'Matthew,' she said, 'you think I have always been like this. Once I was remorseless, but this is another love — it goes everywhere; there is no place for it to stop — it rots me away.
Never forget that the most powerful force on earth is love.
Because that is when you love somebody - when you see them being game in the face of the worst. Not courageous. Not heroic. Just game.
Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.
The source of love is deep in us and we can help others realize a lot of happiness. One word, one action, one thought can reduce another person’s suffering and bring that person joy.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.