The Humanization of Parents

A significant moment in childhood can dramatically shift one's perception of parents as infallible figures to real, flawed humans. John Lithgow recounts an experience in fifth grade when he inadvertently walked in on his parents during an intimate moment, which starkly contrasted with the churchgoer expectations that permeated his upbringing. This realization showcased the puritanical ideals surrounding his family's values while simultaneously highlighting the basic human nature of his parents. Lithgow reflects on how this incident helped him understand his parents’ humanity rather than seeing them only through the lens of societal expectations.