When Abraham Lincoln passed the Emancipation Proclamation more than a hundred years ago, huge numbers of slaves jumped for joy as they finally enjoyed the freedom they had always longed for. Without a doubt, freedom is something even we in this day and age continue to value. There’s probably nothing anybody wouldn’t give to be free.
Right now, I am free. I’m a single woman who can do as she pleases, without anybody to look after but herself. But as I sit here and think about eating dinner alone tonight, I realize that there’s nothing more I want than to be with my daughter. She’s at her dad’s now for Easter break, and I’m once more home alone.
I have the TV all to myself, and can freely watch my favorite soap, but deep down in my heart, I wish my daughter was here, popping corn with me as we get set to watch another Disney flick. After work, I can go on a night out with friends, but I choose to go home, with my daughter’s imaginary arms waiting to hug me at the door.
Freedom is special and most people would fight tooth and nail just to have it. I don’t mind freedom, but if it means being away from the one I love most, then to hell with it. I’d rather have that ball and chain tied to my foot as long as I have my daughter right next to me, pigging out on buttered popcorn for hours on end.
