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Many people envision independence as a liberating experience, a chance to reclaim control over their lives. For this woman, it started with obtaining her own Costco membership card after 20 years of sharing one with her now ex-husband. In her emotional recounting, she expressed feelings of both relief and sorrow. The liberation of having her own card symbolized newfound freedom, yet it also brought up memories of the shared life they built together, complete with luxury and stability.