Ladder of years
...lia as she struggles with being the perfect wife and mother while trying to find herself. In the first part of the book, a man in the grocery store approaches Delia, much to her surprise, asking that she pose as his girlfriend. The man hopes to gain the attention of his estranged wife, who happens to be there as well. Delia feels excitement and a sense of adventure, while wondering why the excitement has left her marriage. Later on in the book, she learns that her husband possibly married her just to acquire her father’s established medical practice. Finding this out makes Delia feel used and humiliated. Secondly, Delia begins to reflect on how the children no longer depend on her. The youngest child is now a teen and Delia is experiencing a sense of emptiness for her efforts. Delia no longer feels needed or wanted as a mother. She misses the joy and excitement when the children were smaller. In addition, Delia’s children do not give her the respect she deserves. Finally, Delia takes a job as a secretary. Working outside the home brings a feeling of importance to Delia and she begins to feel good about herself. Delia pondered her years of doubt in her ability to handle a job such as this; however, she handles the challenge with much ease. Delia begins to feel important and delights in making a contribution to society. In conclusion, Delia struggles to understand her fe...