HELP

I’m learning that it is wonderful to need help. Years ago, a counselor told me that I was too independent. He said I needed to learn to be interdependent and that until I did, I would be missing out on one of the most wonderful aspects of having relationships.

Over time I got a little better at needing others, but overall I still tend to be an “I can do that myself” kind of person. Asking for help is hard. I have never wanted to be an inconvenience or burden to anyone, and though I hate to admit it, pride has played a part in my attitude toward needing help. After all, Daddy always said I was “the little one who was everywhere doing everything.” I have a reputation to uphold.

Rotator cuff surgery reduced me to a heap of shameless neediness. It also opened the door for me to bask in the priceless care and attention of my daughter Jenni. Oh, how I wish I had heeded my counselor’s words earlier. I have felt so loved and special and treasured — and did I say loved?

Jenni has driven the 50 miles to our home every third day since December 2, 2009. She vacuums, cleans, empties the dishwasher, keeps me company, picks up stuff I need from the store, fixes my Blackberry, sets me up with better Facebook tools, and that is not all. Jenni cleans my horse stalls! And she cleans them even better than I do….and that is saying a lot.

I just want everyone to know that independence really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Getting to reconnect with my daughter after all these years of her being married and raising her own family has been a blessing I hadn’t anticipated. I’m thinking I might get my knee fixed a lot sooner than I originally planned.