Look what she wrote. Marie Briguglio bottles her daughter’s words into a new book.
Economist MARIE BRIGUGLIO has just launched the book Aqta’ Biex Ħarġet? – Guess What She Said? She steps away from charts and data to bring us a heartfelt book that is a deeply personal celebration of the witty and wise things her daughter Lilli said over the years. More than just a collection of childhood quotes, it’s a tender tribute to the fleeting, magical moments of parenthood - a reminder that wellbeing isn’t always found in numbers, but in the joy of being present and truly listening.
What inspired this work?
Like many other children, my daughter Lilli would come out with gems on a daily basis. She would make me laugh out loud! I used to share some of these with my friends on social media.
How did it become a book?
One day, browsing through my archive, I realised I had shared hundreds over the course of five years. I copied them all into a document.
Then I started to sort them out, by theme and by date. Eventually, I decided to surprise Lilli by editing them into a book of chapters. With the help of Kite Group, I printed a copy in time for her 16th birthday.
"She loved it! She cried happy tears. I think it gave her a lot of pleasure to read through them and to have been “seen”.”
What was Lilli’s reaction? She loved it! She cried happy tears. I think it gave her a lot of pleasure to read through them and to have been “seen”.
I was pleasantly surprised that she didn’t cringe! At her age (16) children rarely want to do anything with their parents but she has been happy enough to participate in the process of this book launch. So, encouraged by Lilli’s reaction, those of people who read the copy, and Kite Group, I decided to publish it.
Why is it important to remember those moments?
I can only say I’m glad I kept note. I have thousands of photos of Lilli (though rarely printed anymore) but it’s her words that really remind me of her essence.
Many parents have told me that they kept note of something, or wish they had kept note of everything! I’d happily edit another book of gems from other children. Parents can send email to info@kitegroup.com.mt stating the name of their child, age and what he or she said.
What about the choice of language?
The book is in Maltese and English and some Italian, as that is the way Lilli spoke. It is a very personal collection and I don’t expect everyone to resonate with all the snippets. But some will bring a smile to some faces.
Any particular snippet comes to mind?
We played “Chelsea and Barbie” quite a lot. We pretended to be two friends who would meet to chat and discuss their life. I played Chelsea (who was always tidying up – as that is what I would be doing while “playing”) and Lilli played Barbie (a glamourous woman who was always busy).
I would often be told what I needed to say by Lilli. On one occasion she (Barbie) told me she had just had a baby. Pleased as punch, she told me it was “3.3”. I asked her if that was 3.3 kilos. She looked confused and said she meant 3.3 euro! There are many snippets about her having a baby – she seemed fascinated by motherhood.
“I have been nothing short of humbled by the experience of being a mother, and by how much I need to learn – including from my daughter herself.”
Talk to me about your take on motherhood.
My therapist will tell you that I have a big appetite and commitment for self-improvement and motherhood has been a key stimulus to learn.
I have been nothing short of humbled by the experience of being a mother, and by how much I need to learn – including from my daughter herself. I’m glad I have a record of how loving and adoring she was aged three – it helps on rough teenage days!
An economist who writes this book? How does that happen?
As an economist my focus is on wellbeing beyond traditional economic metrics. I focus on the undervalued role of arts and culture, of the environment, of social interaction in the economy and for wellbeing.
I try to walk my talk by involving myself in activities beyond money. In any case, I do not like to be placed in any single box, like “economist”. It is possible (better and more fun) to be more than one thing in life! It is the unique mix of things that makes us who we are!
About the book
Aqta’ Biex Ħarġet? – Guess What She Said? opens a window onto the world as seen by one child - and lets a little fresh air into the adult imagination. Both funny and quietly philosophical, over 300 bite-sized vignettes capture the kinds of things children say that parents wish they had remembered. This one did.
Get your copy online on the Kite Group website.
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