It's hard to remember how early in my life I heard the word freedom. It might have been within the boundaries of a patriotic song or in the context of patriotic exercises on Flag Day or Veterans Day. Perhaps the occasional art project or a literary document, copied and/or memorized by me and my fellow fourth graders, were the strategies used by the Sisters of Mercy to impress upon us the importance of freedom. At any rate...the significance of the word "freedom" has evolved and morphed with each passing decade of my life.
No one book, article, podcast, experience, conversation or documentary can be solely credited with changing or growing my perspective on freedom.
I could try to convince you that I know something of the loss of freedom or the exhilaration of new found freedom that many others experience...but I will not. The spaces I describe in these posts are personal and most meaningful because they speak of and clarify my own experience. SO...
Freedom, in the form of days "off", is a recent gift to Bob and I from my siblings. We are currently providing assistance to my elderly parents in what was until 6 months ago our own home and empty nest. The kind of freedom that my brothers and sister afford us is a release from responsibility for meals, transport and any personal needs that arise in the course of Mom and Dads day. Whether we are at home or away, we are free to "do our own thing".
I realized after three free hours yesterday, that I felt so grateful for this time, that a reflection on freedom would become my latest post. What follows is a happy memory of time spent in a space upstairs at home.
In the space of our home that includes laundry, wardrobe, bath, bedroom, desk, sewing table and music area, I have created a sanctuary. Complete with soothing colors, candles, stereo, photos and memorabilia, it enhances my sense of indoor happiness and peace. Being pragmatic and one who enjoys ordering my living spaces, I chose to polish heirloom furniture, laundered, sorted and stashed clothing destined for our use, that of Mom, Dad's and my mother-in-laws, and for good measure some to donate! I listened to a game show on NPR (thus elevating my brain function), showered, smiled at and shared Facebook images of my grand babies, checked in on the bank account and made lists for the days errands and mother-in-law related tasks to be completed. I drank too many (?) cups of Bobs awesome coffee, stashed dress clothes in a bag for dinner and theatre at the end of the day, exercised and organized a drawer. I read e-mail and responded, made my bed and enjoyed the snowy view outside of several windows. I shared smiles and plans with my husband before we parted ways until noon, when I at last emerged from my cocoon to greet my folks and chat awhile.
Surely there have been equally, if not more, enjoyable experiences in my life. Surely I have enjoyed other spaces, as well as pleasurable and awe-inspiring moments and hours. But on this frigid Saturday morning as January prepared to make its exit, I experienced a significant time of freedom. As I recall it, I am grateful for the mundane pleasure of it all and the time to smile about it!
