Homebodies - Examining my backpack
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- Published on Saturday, March 25, 2017
By Rita Friesen
The Neepawa Banner
Each of us carries an invisible backpack. It is filled with things that make us who we are, and too often, determines our place in the universe. One of the biggest items I carry is that I am born and raised in North America, Canada in particular. Travelling abroad, the little Canadian flag opens doors and softens interchanges. Oh, it’s not an actual flag I carry, but being Canadian is respected and respectful. Our standard of living, our education system and yes, our political system are one of the assets we carry.
Taking those items one by one and looking more closely at them – standard of living. I was raised lower middle class. We had running water, television, more than enough to eat, meaningful work and time, energy and resources to take vacations. A solid home in which to live, a reliable vehicle, and enough to share with others. What a wealth of riches!
Education- I attended a well run public school that challenged independent thinking. (I didn’t get kicked out when I started a petition, signed by all but two girls – my sister and her friend- when I disagreed with a school policy trying to dictate that all girls wear dresses or skirts to school. We won.) I attained my high school diploma when my older children attained theirs. Since then, I have continued to collect bits and pieces of education and feel confident and competent in the work I do.
Our political system- I get to vote. No one monitors my activity or my political party choice. I am proud to be a Manitoban, for it was our own Nellie McClung that spearheaded women’s right to cast a ballot.
There are more valuables in my backpack. I experience great physical health. My bout with sciatica, a time when I questioned whether I could or would ever walk again, my surgery for a left frontal aneurism, well, these taught me that health is never a given and always a gift. I have a deep compassion for those who suffer. I am blessed with a sound mind, with an stable state of mental health. There are several individuals whom I cherish and love deeply that suffer from anxiety, depression and mood disorders. I can not look away or ignore such pain. With my gifts come responsibility.
Another wondrous item in my backpack is financial independence. Garnered in part by my place in Canada – Old Age Security Income, the Canada Pension Plan and the proceeds of hard work and careful spending. I recall too clearly the season when I was a single parent of two small children, living with my parents and relying on municipal assistance for $65 a month. One more treasure that I carry is one that I did not work for, I did not win or earn, I am Caucasian. We, as a community, country and world, are improving at seeing people as people. We have more work to do on this one…I give thanks for all I am.
