My grandmother had six kids - one died as an infant - and she was dirt-poor, and all her kids got an education. And my mom grew up poor. And they both worked so hard and cultivated so much of their own happiness. I wanted to have that like an amulet. Not like armor, but like a magic feather. Like Dumbo's magic feather.

Summary

This quote expresses the desire for the same level of resilience and optimism that the speaker witnessed in their grandmother and mother. Despite difficult circumstances, such as poverty and tragedy, the family managed to prioritize education and find happiness. The speaker longs for a similar sense of protection, describing it as a magical feather reminiscent of Dumbo's in the Disney film. The feather symbolizes their hope that with the right mindset and attitude, anything is possible, even in the face of adversity.

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