Watching you together-your hair and eyes, your flesh and bone, your three bodies so frank and solid in the world-gave me immeasurable pleasure. It was pleasure derived not from parental pride, but from gratitude. We had been blessed by the existence on this earth of our three particular children, and we had been assigned a blessed task in keeping you all safe in the world.
In Jan Ellison's "A Small Indiscretion," the narrator expresses profound joy in observing their children. The reference to their children's physical presence—highlighting their hair, eyes, and bodies—reflects a deeper emotional connection that transcends mere pride. Instead of traditional parental pride, the narrator feels a deep sense of gratitude for their children's existence, suggesting that these three individuals bring immense joy and value to their lives.
This gratitude transforms the act of parenting into a sacred responsibility. The narrator acknowledges that they have been entrusted with the significant task of ensuring the safety of their children in the world. This perspective emphasizes love and appreciation, framing parenthood as a blessed journey filled with joy and gratitude for the privilege of nurturing such unique individuals.
