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Independence can take break for dependability
(by Christine Thome - November 18, 2009)
BEYOND MY CONTROL, BY CHRISTINE THOME
Independence can take break for dependability
There is little else that Americans fight more fiercely for than our independence. Like a screaming 2-year-old child, we shout, "I can do it myself," fearing that, if we ask for help, we will look weak or incapable. We even have a national holiday to celebrate our brave independence.
But if you think about it, from now until the beginning of the new year, we rejoice in declaring our dependence -- dependence on our families, friends, communities and neighbors. Thanksgiving is just the beginning of a month-long celebration of what it means to be a part of something -- to need others and to feel needed by those around us.
A form of the word dependent is dependable, and too often we aren't even aware of the dependable people who make our lives easier until they're not there. What would life be like without someone to deliver our mail every day or take away our garbage every week? Too often we take for granted the school-bus driver who arrives on time every morning and every afternoon and the grocery clerk who greets us by name.
November and December are the two months of the year when families shake off dusty traditions, look beyond the negative and reach out to others, urging them to become a part of our warm embrace.
We depend on our mothers, aunts and grandmothers to make the same Thanksgiving stuffing, the same sweet potatoes and the same green beans that we have enjoyed our entire lives. We depend on them to keep the traditions going and to pass them along to members of the next generation.
We depend on our community volunteers and store owners to decorate our small towns, creating a nostalgic wonderland that is enjoyed by all ages. There are no boundaries between generations when enjoying sparkling lights, moving toy trains and a beautiful snowfall. A 2-year-old appreciates the joy and magic of the season just as much as a 90-year-old.
Others who are less fortunate or going through an emotional time depend on us to make their holidays a little more joyous. Whether it is a prepared meal, a small gift or just spending time with someone who needs some warm company, it is our job as neighbors to make sure everyone within our immediate community feels needed and appreciated.
Children depend on their parents to make sure Santa arrives with favorite gifts to place under the tree. Although it's easy for parents to become dependent on credit cards and outrageous bills to make this possible, we have to remember that what our children are truly dependent on is the need to verify that magic can happen, that good does prevail and that anything is possible.
No doubt about it -- the next month promises to be crazy and overwhelming. But if you can, take some time to declare your dependence and thank those who you count upon to be dependable.
Independence Day will be here soon enough, and, once Jan. 2 hits, you'll be looking for all those dependable children who gladly helped you put up the Christmas decorations in December but are suddenly nowhere to be found.
I guarantee you'll find yourself declaring your independence once again as you drag the boxes out of the basement, take the ornaments off the tree and grudgingly mutter, "Don't worry, I can do it myself."
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