Lucy Elizabeth's Relationship In Growing Up

The relationship between a mother and child is one of the strongest bonds that two people can share. Mothers are often the primary caregivers of their children and have a simple duty: keeping their child safe and giving them the best chance to be succeed. In the memoir Growing Up, mother Lucy Elizabeth has a similar mission. Tasked with raising multiple children as a widow during the Great Depression, Lucy Elizabeth has to overcome many obstacles and challenges. Among her children is the author of the memior, Russel Baker. Throughout Growing Up, Russel depicts his life during early-mid 20th Century America, describing his experiences as a child during the Great Depression and later as an adult during World War I. Throughout his early childhood,
Lucy Elizabeth is particularly demanding of her only son. She constantly pushes Russel to make something of himself and ultimately wants him to be successful. However, Russel often finds it difficult to maintain the high expectations his mother sets for him. Because of this, Russel often has conflict with his mother. With his mother’s care and support, however, Russel eventually becomes successful as distinguished writer and journalist. By the end of Growing Up, Russel sees more clearly his mother’s intentions, and begins to truly appreciate them. During his early childhood, Russel Baker doesn’t understand his mother’s expectations and doesn’t truly appreciate her; however, as Russel comes of age, he realizes his mother’s honest intentions and becomes aware of the many sacrifices she made for him.