Saturday will be the 4th of July, a celebration of our nation’s independence. Let’s also celebrate our own independence. During America’s early history, females were denied some of the basic rights enjoyed by male citizens. Among other things, women couldn’t own property, had no legal claim to money they earned and weren’t allowed to vote in elections.
I think being independent is defining the word for myself–not having someone else tell me what I should do. While growing up, I longed to be free from control, influence, support or help of others. As I matured, I realized that to marry the man I loved and have a family, I would have to make some adjustments. I quit my office job to be a housewife and mother, but that didn’t mean my husband was in charge. We learned to compromise and help each other. He mows the lawn, takes care of a dripping faucet and opens a new jar of mayonnaise. I cook the meals, write the checks to pay our bills and keep our social calendar.
When our three were rug rate, medical expenses piled up and we needed more income. We looked at the dollars and cents of my returning to an office job and hiring care for our kids. Together we decided it would be wiser for him to moonlight like many of his fellow deputies. After our children were enrolled in school, I found part-time employment as Durand Township Clerk and community correspondent for the Rockford Morning Star. Most of the work could be done at home.
As I age, I want to maintain my independence. Last Thanksgiving, I was putting the finishing touches on our family dinner. When I was pouring gravy from a large, frying pan into a bowl, Katelyn stepped up and asked, “Can I help you, Grandma?”
I replied, “No thanks, I’ve got it.” After turning down her offer, I realized it would have been easier if I’d accepted it. I also need to recognize when I can use help.
How do you define independence?