I Stand Here Ironing Language and Communication Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)

Quote #10

Shoogily. A funny word, a family word, inherited from Emily, invented by her to say: comfort. (43)

Emily's talent for catchy, memorable language is evident from an early age.

Quote #11

In this and other ways she leaves her seal, I say aloud. And startle at my saying it. What do I mean? What did I start to gather together, to try and make coherent? (44)

The narrator catches herself saying something that she knows is meaningful, even if she can't express what that meaning is. Interestingly, this moment occurs when she seems to get at the heart of what makes her daughter stand out.