Martha thinks, “The joy of having sons is that they worship their mothers. Until one day, suddenly, they don’t” (p. 202). What did you think of this statement? Do you agree?
I think of the saying, “A daughter is a daughter for all of her life. A son is a son until he takes a wife.” Sons marry and are responsible for his own family. The son’s wife seems to favor her own family and somewhat pull her husband in that direction. A daughter remains more loyal to her family and often sets the agenda for holidays, etc. which includes her family more. This is’t always the case, but I see it happen more often than the man’s family-of-origin being the main attraction.
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I chuckled when I saw this question. I’m not so sure that this describes just sons. I have raised two adult daughters with families of their own. We have always been close despite the distance. However, those teen years are tough on most parents as they watch their children go from child to independent young adult. I once read a quote that I had to remind myself of frequently, “The role of the parent is to teach your child how to live life without you.”
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The Ballard family is a close knit family. The sons love their mother, as do the daughters. Ephraim’s comment to Martha about how the boys’s now respect her is from his perspective and belief. Martha took this explanation and tucked it away as she seemed to do with all change in behavior. Parents want their children to be independent, think for themselves and be happy. Martha was proud of her children and it showed. She allowed her children to make their own way as adults.
Once a son finds a female significant other, I think the mother tends to take a secondary role. As far as daughters go, many are loyal and forever have your backs.
I certainly agree sons seem to worship their moms, but so do girls. Both sexes however reach that time they are in need independence and discover the other sexes and or enlightenments
As a mother of 1 child, a son, I know that this is true. I know that my son loves me but that as soon as he takes a wife I will no longer be his immediate family but will become his extended family. His wife and children will and should be what’s most important in his life and that means that I have raised him right!
That statement is so true…in many cases. I know my son loves me …but wife and children come first. As I think it should. The line made ne chuckle.