Mothers often nurture various beliefs about their children, and these beliefs can shape a child's self-perception. In the case of the narrator, the belief that he liked who he was stemmed from his mother's unwavering support and approval. Her perception of him became intertwined with his own sense of identity.

However, upon her death, this illusion shattered, revealing the fragility of his self-image. The loss of his mother's approval left him questioning his own feelings and identity, highlighting how deeply a parent's perception can influence a child's understanding of themselves.