Just as my search for my mother had in some ways shaped my life, her faith that I was alive had shaped hers. She couldn't search, but she did the next best thing: She stayed still.
Interpretation
A deep connection exists between a person's search for their loved ones and the impact of that connection on their lives.
In this quote, Saroo Brierley reflects on the profound influence that the search for his mother had on his life, while also acknowledging how his mother’s unwavering faith in his existence shaped her own experiences. Despite her inability to physically search for him, her ability to remain steadfast in hope encapsulates the emotional bond and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of love and family.
In practice
During a family gathering, you can share this quote to highlight the importance of maternal bonds.
Men, to exist, to become complete and mature, need to feel the joy of fatherhood. When a man does not have this desire, something is missing in this man, it is like an incomplete life: a life that stops half way. The grace of fatherhood; of giving life to others, of pastoral paternity, of spiritual paternity is a gift from God.
I love conversations with kids in the meet and greet lines — little people with little voices! I love babies. Someday I would love to be a parent, but I want that time to come when I’ve experienced so much of the world. My life will be devoted to making that child’s life as wonderful, beautiful, magical and perfect as it can possibly be. I want to wait until there is no ounce of me left that has anything self-centered to experience.
When we're dealing with the people in our family - no matter how annoying or gross they may be, no matter how self-inflicted their suffering may appear, no matter how afflicted they are with ignorance, prejudice or nose hairs - we give from the deepest parts of ourselves.
Let your children be as so many flowers, borrowed from God. If the flowers die or wither, thank God for a summer loan of them.
Family life is too intimate to be preserved by the spirit of justice. It can only be sustained by a spirit of love which goes beyond justice. Justice requires that we carefully weigh rights and privileges and assure that each member of a community receives his due share. Love does not weigh rights and privileges too carefully because it prompts each to bear the burden of the other.
One thing I know for sure about raising children is that every single day a kid needs discipline.... But also every single day a kid needs a break.
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