In her reflections, Nora Ephron captures a common hope many people harbor regarding their parents: the desire for them to transform into ideal figures or revert to their former selves. This longing reflects a deeper yearning for connection and understanding within family dynamics, suggesting that we hold on to the possibility of change, even in the face of reality.

Ephron's insight highlights the emotional turbulence of family relationships. The metaphor of a lightning strike signifies an unexpected and dramatic change, appealing to the universal wish for resolution and reconciliation with our loved ones, despite the often unchangeable nature of their identities.