No mother is ever, completely, a child's idea of what a mother should be, and I suppose it works the other way around as well. But despite everything, we didn't do badly by one another, we did as well as most. I wish she were here, so I could tell her I finally know this.
The quote reflects on the complex relationship between a mother and child, highlighting that no parent can entirely fulfill their child's expectations of what a mother should be, and that this sentiment is mutual. It acknowledges the imperfections and challenges inherent in parent-child relationships.
Despite these shortcomings, the speaker expresses a sense of fulfillment and understanding, recognizing that they navigated their relationship as well as many others. There is a bittersweet longing for the mother’s presence, coupled with a newfound wisdom that comes with time and reflection on their shared experiences.