I had learned that there were substitutes for a mother who couldn't be a mother. You could find love with other people. You could find it in places you weren't even looking. But the original wound would never heal. I would carry it with me forever, and so would Tara. That was the trick . . . accepting it, going on with your life, knowing it was part of you.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the enduring impact of maternal absence and the possibility of finding love elsewhere despite that loss.
In this quote, Lisa Kleypas reflects on the complexities of experiencing a lack of maternal love. She acknowledges that while one can find substitutes for that love in other relationships and unexpected places, the emotional scars from such a loss remain permanently. Accepting this reality and moving forward in life, while carrying the memory of that original wound, is portrayed as a vital part of healing and personal growth.
In practice
In a speech about resilience, one could quote this to illustrate how love can be found in various forms despite past hurts.
You are everything that's ever been my favourite thing," she wanted to tell him. "You're my love song, my birthday cake, the sound of ocean waves and French words and a baby's laugh. You're a snow angel, crème brulée, a kaleidoscope filled with glitter. I love you and you'll never catch up, because I've gotten a head start and my heart is racing at light speed.
If I meet someone at a bus stop, I want to really meet that person. I don't want to be 'Hugh Jackman, the famous actor.'
He gave everything to everybody. Except to me.
We think constant connection will make us feel less lonely. The opposite is true.
But, especially in love, only counterfeit emotions exist nowadays. We have all been taught to mistrust everybody emotionally, from parents downwards, or upwards. Don’t trust anybody with your real emotions: if you’ve got any: that is the slogan of today. Trust them with your money, even, but never with your feelings. They are bound to trample on them.
I missed you even when I was with you. That’s been my problem. I miss what I already have, and I surround myself with things that are missing.
What we heard loud and clear is that the Battle Between the Sexes is over. It was a draw. Now we're engaged in Negotiation Between the Sexes.
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