Joshua Lederberg
The Quote in Other Words
Upon the return to my job, my children were merely two months old and appeared to have limited recognition of anyone other than their Raggedy Ann toys. Therefore, it was not a case of them yearning for my presence, but rather, I was the one longing for theirs.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote highlights the emotional struggle that many working parents face when they have to leave their young children to go to work. The author expresses how difficult it was for them to be away from their children, even though the children were too young to understand or miss them. This sentiment is relatable to many parents who have to balance their careers with their family responsibilities.
The quote also touches on the idea that parental love and attachment to children is not solely based on the child’s awareness or reciprocation of that love. The author’s longing to be with their children shows that the bond between a parent and child is deep and meaningful, even when the child is too young to fully comprehend it.
Overall, this quote highlights the emotional complexity of being a working parent and the importance of balancing work and family life. It also emphasizes the depth of love and attachment that parents have for their children, regardless of the child’s age or awareness.