Mother Quote by Holliday Vann
““Dessah pulled her legs up to her chest and laid her head between her knees. The mother that used to live inside of her didn’t feel like feeling anything. The mother that used to live inside of her didn’t feel like crying about or even imagining the state her young children were found in. Whoever had taken the place of the mother that used to live inside of her was someone who would be upset that the ugly gray house with her children in it had not burned to the ground.””
About This Quote
Source Short story excerpt, date unknown
A character’s inner mother is numb, reflecting trauma and loss; the imagined destruction of her home symbolizes a desire to end suffering.
In simple terms: Trauma numbs feeling; imagined destruction offers escape.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge trauma and seek healing.
Themes
trauma
psychology
loss
imagery
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- grief counseling
- support groups
- creative writing
Key Concepts
numbness
desire for escape
family tragedy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one process trauma without destructive fantasies?
- What support can help restore feeling?
A Different Perspective
Imagined destruction is not a healthy coping mechanism.
