I’m not sure i perceive myself as others do, but being single all my life and on my own since i graduated college, self-sufficiency just goes with the territory. Sink or swim, as they say.

I have an older sister, also unmarried, who’s the same way. In our case, we had a very unstable childhood in that my parents split when i was six, we moved to a new town every year for a while and i had, let’s see 3 step-parents, none of whom are alive today. Taking care of myself is nothing new. It was always a matter of survival. That’s why saving for a secure retirement is so important to me, and that’s why buying my first house at age 36 was very important to me, too.

I was one of those latchkey kids. My mother worked and wasn’t there when i got home from school, so i literally wore our house key on a string around my neck so i wouldn’t lose it. For many years as an adult, i kept having serial dreams of a lion or other wild animal chasing me as i tried to find my way home. Those dreams finally abated, but now they’ve been replaced with another type of anxiety dream of me looking for my 3 cats. Two of them died years ago, but they live on in my dreams.

Thanks for reading my story! I was the first born so my parents had a learning curve to go through as well. I can’t really blame them because I wouldn’t be who I am today if things had gone differently. I believe there is a reason for everything and one thing this whole event in my life taught me was how to take care of myself. My sister was somewhat coddled after this event took place and now she’s reliant on a man. I don’t mean to sound like an elite feminist here because that’s not my point. My point is that I don’t need someone else to take care of me, I can do it myself. I’m in a position to share my life with someone as opposed to being dependent on them. My sister doesn’t even like her husband, but doesn’t feel as though she has any choice (though she does). So, while the experience itself wasn’t pleasant at the time, it all happens for a reason.

Thanks for reading it! I look back on my life from then to now and I have to shake my head at myself. But, it was a great learning experience! Glad you enjoyed the post!