By James W. Dolan

In the course of human events there comes a time when we must declare our dependence on those persons and things that provide hope, health, sustenance and security in a world fraught with danger and confusion.

I was dependent upon my parents for my life and a nurturing environment and upon my teachers for their guidance and patience.

I am dependent on my wife for the care and comfort she provides and upon my children and grandchildren for the joy they bring into my life.

I am dependent on my friends and family for the pleasure of their companionship and my colleagues for the help and support they provide.

I am dependent on government for order, protection and services that would otherwise be unavailable.

I am dependent on those that provide food, goods and services that I am unable to produce myself and which make life more comfortable.

I am dependent on strangers who bring vitality to life and who fill spaces that otherwise would be cold and deserted.

I am dependent upon nature in all its glorious manifestations for the awe, peace and joy I under its spell.

I am dependent upon every other human being who shares with me the experience of being alive.

I am dependent upon myself but much less so than I would like to believe.

I am dependent upon faith to provide meaning and purpose to life.

I am dependent on the illusion of my independence which permits me to at least feel that I am not fragile and helpless.

I am dependent on all those instrument of pleasure and convenience that have lightened life's burdens.

All that I am dependent upon is itself dependent.

I am dependent on something beyond me that is truly apart and independent.

I am dependent upon God and it is only by acknowledging that dependence that I can find some modicum of independence.

James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court judge who now practices law.