It shocks me how I wish for... what is lost and cannot come back

It shocks me how I wish for... what is lost and cannot come back

In Sue Monk Kidd's novel "The Secret Life of Bees," the theme of loss and longing for what is gone is a central focus. The protagonist, Lily Owens, experiences a deep sense of longing for her deceased mother, whom she lost at a young age. This longing is a driving force in Lily's journey of self-discovery and healing throughout the novel.

The quote "It shocks me how I wish for... what is lost and cannot come back" encapsulates Lily's feelings of grief and yearning for her mother. Despite knowing that her mother is gone and can never return, Lily still finds herself wishing for her presence, for her guidance, for her love. This longing is a constant ache in Lily's heart, a reminder of the void left by her mother's absence.

Lily's longing for her mother is not just about missing her physical presence, but also about the emotional connection they shared. Her mother was her rock, her confidante, her source of comfort and love. Without her mother, Lily feels adrift, lost, and incomplete. She yearns for the sense of security and belonging that her mother provided, and she struggles to find that same sense of connection with others in her life.

The quote also speaks to the universal experience of loss and longing that we all face at some point in our lives. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a dream, or a sense of self, we all experience moments of wishing for what is gone and can never come back. This longing is a natural part of the grieving process, a way for us to process our emotions and come to terms with our loss.

Ultimately, Sue Monk Kidd's exploration of loss and longing in "The Secret Life of Bees" reminds us that it is okay to grieve, to feel sadness, and to wish for what is lost. It is through this process of mourning and acceptance that we can find healing, growth, and ultimately, a sense of peace.