Meaning: This quote by Jane Howard, a well-known journalist, touches upon the profound role that parents play in our lives. In this quote, Howard emphasizes the idea that parents, regardless of their age or ours, serve as a shield from the overwhelming awareness of our mortality. She suggests that as long as our parents are present, we are able to maintain a sense of innocence and avoid fully confronting the reality of our inevitable mortality.

The quote captures the universal experience of relying on our parents for emotional support and protection. From a young age, parents are often seen as the ultimate source of security and comfort. They guide us through the uncertainties of childhood, offering a sense of stability and protection from the harsh realities of the world. As we grow older, this sense of security may evolve, but the fundamental role of parents in providing a shield from the harshness of life remains.

The concept of shielding us from a sense of our doom can be interpreted in various ways. On one level, it speaks to the emotional shelter that parents provide, allowing us to feel secure and protected from the anxieties and fears that come with facing our own mortality. This sense of shelter can manifest in the form of parental guidance, love, and reassurance, all of which contribute to a feeling of safety and innocence that persists as long as our parents are present.

Furthermore, the quote suggests that parents play a crucial role in preserving our innocence. As long as they are around, we can maintain a certain level of naivety and childlike wonder, free from the weight of existential concerns. This highlights the idea that the presence of our parents can shield us from the harsh truths of life, allowing us to hold onto the innocence and optimism of childhood for as long as possible.

Additionally, the quote alludes to the profound impact that the absence of parents can have on our perception of mortality. When parents are no longer present, whether due to aging, illness, or death, the shield they once provided begins to dissipate, and we are forced to confront the reality of our mortality. This can be a deeply unsettling and transformative experience, as we are faced with the realization that we are no longer sheltered from the inevitability of our own mortality.

In sum, Jane Howard's quote encapsulates the profound influence that parents have in shielding us from the awareness of our mortality and preserving our innocence. It speaks to the enduring role of parents as providers of emotional shelter and the impact of their presence or absence on our perception of life and death. This quote serves as a powerful reminder of the unique and irreplaceable role that parents play in shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it.