A first child is your own best foot forward, and how you do cheer those little feet as they strike out. You examine every turn of flesh for precocity, and crow it to the world. But the last one: the baby who trails her scent like a flag of surrender through your life when there will be no more coming after--oh, that' s love by a different name.
The quote reflects the deep emotional journey of motherhood, highlighting the distinct experiences of raising children. The first child often represents hope and new beginnings, and parents take pride in each milestone reached. Every small achievement is celebrated, showcasing a sense of joy and expectation for the future.
In contrast, the last child embodies a bittersweet attachment. This child symbolizes an end to the journey of motherhood, evoking a poignant sense of love that is both profound and melancholic. As the parent recognizes this final phase, the unique bond formed with the youngest highlights a surrender to the passage of time, emphasizing that love can transform in meaning and depth as life progresses.
