The author reflects on their struggle with accepting help following a devastating house fire that destroyed all their possessions. Prior to this event, they prided themselves on self-reliance and rarely sought assistance. However, in the wake of the disaster, they have had to accept help from friends and strangers alike, something they were raised to see as a weakness. This personal narrative reveals how familial values surrounding independence shaped their view on asking for help and the transformative experience of relying on others in a time of need.
Until three weeks ago, my idea of accepting help was allowing another driver to let me in front of him while changing lanes... I’ve had to accept more help... than in the entire preceding 50-plus years of my life.
My father had grown up very poor, raised by a single mother who took in boarders rather than accept assistance. He carried those values... even as he resented the conditions that came with them.
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