Retrospectively

When I was in Japan, I bought a beautiful little purple vase on a black wooden base with a handle. I gave it to my mother living on Lulu Island, but she lost it. Retrospectively, I should have just kept it for myself, as I like cute things and purple.

Certain dates to most of us become in time retrospectively memorable, and doubtless this sunny, fragrant June day would in any case have been remembered by Barbara as the last of a long series of high days and holidays spent by her in her French home during the first few years of her life.

Near-synonyms: in retrospect, in hindsight