Every day as I wave to my children when I drop them off at school, or let one of them have a new experience–like crossing the street without holding my hand– I experience the struggle between love and non-attachment. It is hard to bear–the extreme love of one’s child and the thought that ultimately the child belongs to the world. There is this horrible design flaw–children are supposed to grow up and away from you; and one of you will die first. Sarah Ruhl
About This Quote

This is a powerful quote on the struggle between love and non-attachment. The author of this quote has obviously walked this path first hand. You can see that she loves her children deeply, but she also really understands the pain of losing them. There is no easy way to say goodbye to your children.

This is not something that happens overnight; it is something that happens over time as you watch them age and become independent. I am sure that some people will say that this quote is depressing, but I think it speaks to the reality of what parents face everyday.

Source: The Oldest Boy: A Play In Three Ceremonies

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  1. This is what it is to love an artist: The moon is always rising above your house. The houses of your neighbors look dull and lacking in moonlight. But he is always going away from you. Inside his head there is always something more beautiful.
  2. A wedding is for daughters and fathers. The mothers all dress up, trying to look like young women. But a wedding is for a father and daughter. They stop being married to each other on that day.
  3. Every day as I wave to my children when I drop them off at school, or let one of them have a new experience–like crossing the street without holding my hand– I experience the struggle between love and non-attachment. It is hard to bear–the extreme...
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