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My child, My love and my regret, as you were when I first…

“My child, My love and my regret, as you were when I first laid eyes on you, a tiny old man who hadn't the time to brush off his ancient expression, naked and misshapen in the nurse's arms.” quote by Nicole Krauss
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““My child, My love and my regret, as you were when I first laid eyes on you, a tiny old man who hadn't the time to brush off his ancient expression, naked and misshapen in the nurse's arms.””

Nicole Krauss

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A parent sees a child as both a source of deep affection and a reminder of past mistakes, feeling both love and regret in the child's vulnerability.

In simple terms: Parents can love and regret their children’s imperfections.

Key Takeaway

Embrace the child's vulnerability.

Themes

parenthood love regret vulnerability

Mood

tender reflective

Type

literary emotional

When to use this quote

  • newborn care
  • family counseling
  • grieving loss
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

attachment theory intergenerational trauma

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does regret shape your love for a child?
  • What can you do to transform regret into compassion?
A Different Perspective

The feeling of regret may overwhelm love, causing emotional distance.

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