Of course, children were endless work. They came when you didn't want them and had needs you didn't always want to meet. Worst of all they died no matter how much you loved them. The death of her own had frozen the hope inside her harder than the wintery ground. Her hopes had frozen hard and she vowed to keep it that way, and yet she hadn't. The hopes thawed.
The excerpt reflects the profound challenges and emotional turmoil of parenthood. It describes how children can be demanding and often arrive unexpectedly, presenting needs that can be overwhelming. The inevitability of loss is a heartbreaking reality for parents, leaving behind deep scars and a chilling sense of hopelessness, especially after losing a child.
The character’s vow to suppress her hopes after such loss illustrates a powerful defense mechanism, yet the statement reveals that despite her efforts, she finds it difficult to maintain that emotional barrier. The imagery of thawing hopes suggests that healing and the desire for future joy can emerge, even after profound grief.
