You cannot divide a child's heart in two she had observed to Mma Makutsi, and yet that is what some people wish to do. A child has only one heart.And the rest of us? Mma Makutsi had asked. Do we not have one heart too?Mma Ramotswe nodded. Yes, we have only one heart, but as you grow older you heart grows bigger. A child loves only one or two things; we love so many things.Such as?Mma Ramotswe smiled. Botswana. Rain. Cattle. Friends. Our children. Our late relatives. The smell of woodsmoke in the morning. Red bush tea...
Mma Ramotswe reflects on the nature of a child's love, noting that while a child has a singular heart devoted to just a few things, adults possess a more expansive heart filled with numerous affections. She explains to Mma Makutsi that some people mistakenly think they can split a child's love, but it's essential to recognize that a child's capacity for love is fundamentally different from that of an adult.
As individuals mature, their hearts grow to embrace a wider array of connections, allowing them to cherish many more aspects of life. Mma Ramotswe lists examples of what she loves, such as Botswana, the rain, and cherished memories. This illustrates the richness of adult emotions and relationships, contrasting with the focused, simple love of children.
