Gwen was kind of amazed. A mother with several degrees and…
““Gwen was kind of amazed. A mother with several degrees and a prestigious position at an Ivy League college did not ensure that she’d be any less embarrassing to her child than a mother who became a nurse through night school. Gwen knew this when Alla launched into her “unfortunate changes in my vagina after the birth of Lachlan” discussion. “No. It was his shoulders. He’s always had very large shoulders. I mean look at him. Even as a baby they were freakishly long.” “Freakishly?” Lock snapped. “They stretched me right out.” “Mom!” Brody shrugged and reached for more moo goo gai pork. “I didn’t mind.” “Dad!” “Well, darling, you were always quite large, so it made things a little easier for both of us when it came to sex.” “Mom!” Alla shook her head. “I don’t know what happened to you, Lachlan MacRyrie.” She turned to Gwen. “I’ve always insisted on being quite open about human bodies when talking to my children. There’s no shame in a woman’s body. And like everything else in the world, it ages. So while you still have the exquisite body you’ve been blessed with, Gwen dear, and that prebirth vagina— enjoy it.” “Is there any way to get you to stop?” Lock begged.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A mother’s academic status does not protect her child from embarrassment; openness about bodily changes can reduce shame.
In simple terms: Education doesn’t prevent embarrassment; openness helps.
Key Takeaway
Embrace openness about bodies.
Themes
family dynamics
body image
education
embarrassment
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
advice
conversational
When to use this quote
- parent‑child conversations
- school settings
- family meals
- health discussions
Key Concepts
social norms
parental expectations
body positivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a parent’s status affect child embarrassment?
- What role does openness play in body acceptance?
A Different Perspective
Openness may clash with cultural taboos.