Pathetic?

Is it pathetic that I stay at home and take care of the kids? Am I less of a person because I do not make much more than $60 a month? I am dependent on my husband's ability to bring home a paycheck. Is that bad? I've come to the realization that there are many people out there that would answer "yes" to these questions. I don't recommend staying at home for everyone. I'm aware that it isn't for everyone. (In fact, sometimes I wonder if it's really for me.) I am a huge advocate of making your own decision with regard to the issue. Truth be told, my husband and I stumbled into this, when I got laid off, while pregnant. Childcare simply became too expensive to contemplate while trying to be financially responsible. That being said, am I kidding myself that I'm making a statement in my kids lives? I thought I was giving them something, by being at home. Apparently not? My husband's schedule, during the week is horrid. He often works long hours, with a commute of over an hour on top of it. I always felt that by staying at home, I was reducing some of his stress over home issues; taking care of financial matters, groceries, errands, etc. so that we can spend more time as a family on the weekends. I like to think that I'm offering the children some extra stability in light of their father's week-day hours. According to some, this must all be a pretty pathetic attempt at dodging fiscal responsibilty and life, in general???

I am my own person. I have a college degree. I have interests outside my family. I've been elected by a body of more than 700 people to a national church committee. I'm on 3 such committees, as well as having district and local church responsibilities. I give voice lessons and direct a children's choir. I love to read and cook; I am learning cake decorating, sewing, and yoga. I love being a wife. I love being a mother to my children. I also love being me. -Those things are part of being me, but they're not everything. I have And yet ... When people see "stay at home mom" I'm suddenly a pathetic woman who is incapable of supporting herself and completely dependent on others.

I don't know whether to feel sorry for individuals with these opinions, or to get angry and start shouting. Neither reaction is likely going to help. Will anything?? No. But should I be happy with this status quo? I don't think so. Where does this leave me? I don't know. All I really know is that I hope these folks are wrong.