THIS I BELIEVE
When I was 8, I played house, school, and cowboys and Indians. I roller skated on the side walk with a key around my neck, rode my one gear bike around the neighborhood, and played kick the can until Mom called us in by ringing the old school bell. I believed that one day I would be married and have children.
When I was 15, I was an honor student, played in the band, sang in the chorus, participated in sports, baby sat, went to the movies with my friends, bowled on Saturday mornings, and had summer jobs. I believed that one day I would be married and have children.
When I was 22, I was in graduate school, was in love, owned my first car, and was interviewing for my first “real” job. I believed that one day I would be married and have children.
When I was 30, I had lost my first love, had bought my first house, was in my second career, had lots of good friends, and was working on my third graduate degree. I believed that one day I would be married and have children.
When I was 45, I changed careers for the last time, built a new house, made lots of new friends, and fell in love with yard work. I believed that one day I would be married and have step-children.
I will be 60 on my next birthday. I am retired, have a cottage industry, have a social life, spend time with my siblings and their families, volunteer for a local not-for-profit, and go south for part of the winter. I now believe a single childless woman can have a successful and rewarding career, create a warm and inviting home, develop long term friendships, and lead a productive fulfilling life. I believe that occasionally she may be lonely, but then so are her married friends who have children. I also believe that God smiles, chuckles, and sometimes even laughs out loud as we make plans. This I believe!