When I was very small, my mother asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. My response was "I want to be a nothing like you Mom."

It was a family tale/joke. But actually it defined women in the 50s. We have come a long way at least in making decisions as to what we want and the freedom to achieve our goals.

Two of my sister-in-laws were atay at home moms and loved their lives. One wanted a career and when her child and sibling (she raised) went to school, she started working part time then full time. She is now an executive with a thriving food company.

One sister-in-law did not want children and had none. She also chose not to work - her choice and my brother supported it.

I was a single mom and spent every non-working minute with my son. Arranged my schedule to sttend the ball games and school plays and whatever else. I was one of the more active parents in his school. My theory is "If you want something done, ask a busy person."

All of us had the luxury of deciding what we wanted to do. My mother was a very unhappy woman who loved working but only did it when dad was "on strike". When she was not working she was depressed and drank. Too bad - we would have all been happier if Mom had worked full time.