“
A person in the midst of intense personal turmoil reverts to their most primal instincts, as a means of self-preservation. Personality affectations fall away like molted skin. Only the raw animal remains to protect itself.
---
Mommies were always near. Daddies were always just beyond near.
---
There's no good way to part, really. It's either slow and heart-wrenching, or too sudden, no time to adjust. Either way, we go with our arms outstretched, reaching for what has become just beyond our grasp. Most people eventually do let go and accept the reality of their fates. Most people can only survive a short time hugging shadows and kissing memories. In fact, it's the cause of your troubles, really. Your dreams are far too real. Ye are able to feel the shadows. That's been your real curse.
---
I wonder why is it that the moment someone leaves us, the image we keep is the smile on his or her face. No matter how stern or how much of an old curmudgeon a body is during their lifetime, all that goes away the moment they leave us. And what do we remember? The smile. The good part of people.
---
When all is said and done, it's the mothers that we all turn to in our hour of need.
”
”
D.P. Costello (The Rag Tree: A novel of Ireland)