Independence–Penguin Prompt

I am the middle girl between two boys. There is a lot of fact in birth order psychology. My older brother was the honored firstborn son. My younger brother was the baby and got all the attention. I was the “forgotten” child. My opinions were not valued or cherished. So I learned to manipulate my surroundings and felt I had to be perfect to get noticed. Many middle children rebel to get attention. I went the other way. I wanted to get perfect grades and be successful in sports. I was the peacemaker. I am fiercely independent, a natural leader, and less dependent upon a relationship with my parents.

And now I find myself in the role of caregiver/companion to my mother. I moved to North Carolina three years ago as my dad’s health was declining. He passed away nine months after I arrived. Now I’m here to support my mother.  This has become my mission field. I know God has called me to be here.

I value my independence greatly. I have lived alone for many years and like things the way I like things!!  I am also an introvert which means I refresh and regroup by having alone time. However, these last couple of weeks as my mother was in the hospital for the last two weekends, it has taken a physical and emotional toll.  She is doing quite well now that she’s on the appropriate medicines.  And I’ve had some time to get recharged. So all is well!

Creative Prompt – Independence – Week 4