I have noticed," she said slowly, "that time does not really exist for mothers, with regard to their children. It does not matter greatly how old the child is-in the blink of an eye, the mother can see the child again as it was when it was born, when it learned to walk, as it was at any age-at any time, even when the child is fully grown and a parent itself.
In Diana Gabaldon's "Voyager," a character reflects on the unique perception of time that mothers have concerning their children. She observes that a mother can transcend the chronological age of her child, perceiving them at various stages of life in an instant. This ability to recall and feel connected to the child's past moments, regardless of how much time has passed, highlights the emotional bond that exists between a mother and her child.
This timeless connection emphasizes that, for mothers, the developmental milestones of their children are not merely historical moments but part of an emotional continuum. The narrative suggests that a mother's memories are vivid and can be recalled instantaneously, allowing her to experience the joys and challenges of motherhood across different ages of her child's life. Her sentiment underscores the depth of maternal love and the enduring nature of those early years.
