Shortly after Mother’s Day, I wrote
that while some childfree folk wish to be acknowledged on that day (or on their
own special day) for their caretaking or mentoring roles, I would prefer to
remain invisible. I seek no day to make
a fuss over whether or not I am a mother.
In my own perfect world, I would love for all people to be celebrated
for their accomplishments and contributions, with no concern about their
reproductive status. Unfortunately, as
we live in an imperfect world where people are still judged harshly for not replicating,
a day may be warranted when we recognize those who did not need to procreate in
order to make a positive impact on others.
On August 1, 1973, the National Organization for Non-Parents
declared a “Non-Parents Day”
to do just that. In recognition of Non-Parents
Day, I would like to take a moment to honor one of my first non-parent role
models: my high school theology teacher.
She may have been given a “pass” because she was - and still is -
unmarried (though it would not surprise me if she were subjected to marriage
bingoes over the years), but I find that her lifestyle made her a strong,
positive role model for young women especially.
She was amazing in her own right, not needing a man or a child to make
her complete, fulfilled, or accomplished.
An excellent and knowledgeable teacher, she held us to high standards in
the classroom and took on additional roles on campus to support us outside the
classroom. She was able to finish a
doctoral degree while teaching full-time, and I remember the excitement of us
students at being able to call her “Doctor” instead of “Miss” (“miss” always
seemed like such a silly title for someone of her age and experience). She continued teaching for several years
after I graduated before heading to the mission field, where she may still
be. I have somewhat lost track of her;
she may be approaching retirement now, but I have a hard time imagining someone
like her retiring!
Which non-parent in your life has earned your respect or
made a positive impact on you?
What a great non-parent honor! Here's mine..http://laviechildfree.com/2012/08/lets-bring-back-august-1st-as-non-parents-day-2/
ReplyDelete~Laura
Thanks for your story about your teacher! I like how you mentioned 'marriage bingos'. I am finishing my PhD degree this year and until I put my foot down with my family, I was subjected to marriage bingos all the time. I'm finishing a degree I love, I volunteer and I love to relax. Also, coming from the sciences, I find that I have no worries about the 'two body problem'. I find as folks ask me where I want to go next, I get excited: "As long as I can get Dorito (my cat) from here to there, I'm all ears!" =)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite non-parent in my life that made a positive impact on my life is probably my godmother. She is a wonderful person, who never had biological kids, but is a wonderful role model with her strength. My parents' neighbors are a childfree married couple: they are great, too. They got married later in life, but have no regrets, they are so nice, just enjoy life, and all it has to offer!
Mine is Jane Austen. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis I got from the documentary of Jane Austen's life "The real Jane Austen". I tried listening and writing down what I heard, so there might be a few words written wrong, as some of it sounded close to mumbling:
"Things that other women burned for with too many babes, she rejoiced in her own freedom. "Poor Animals", she called her brothers wives."
I find it very inspiring, and it was a sentence which made me smile too. They also said on the documentary that others saw Jane Austen as a poor relative, since she didn't got married nor had any children.