A Letter from Barry...
It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, it
becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as
when they were younger. When you notice this, try to show some
understanding.
My name is Barry , and let me relate how I handled the situation with my
wife, Ivy.
When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Ivy to get a
full time job along with her part-time job, both for extra income and
for the health benefits that we needed.
Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show
her age. I usually get home from the golf course about the same time she
gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost
always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts
dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and
just wake me when she gets dinner on the table. I generally have lunch
in the Men's Grill at the country club, so eating out again at night is
not reasonable. I'm ready for some home-cooking when I hit that door.
She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating, but now it's
not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner.
I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each
evening that the dishes won't clean themselves. I know she really
appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done
before she goes to bed.
Another symptom of aging is complaining. For example, she will say that
it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her
lunch hour. But, boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile
and offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even
three days. That way she won't have to rush so much. I also remind her
that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any (if you
know what I mean).
I like to think that this is one of my strong points. When doing
simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She had to
take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I try not
to make a scene. I'm a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a nice , big,
cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while.
And while she is getting herself one, she might as well get one for me,
too --- or just bring me a cold beer in a frosted mug.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Ivy, and
I'm not saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Nobody
knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older, but,
guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your
aging wife because of this letter, I will consider that writing it was
well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other.
Signed, Barry
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Barry died tragically on March 1st of a perforated rectum. The police
report says he was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha
Driver II golf club jammed up his rear end, with barely 5 inches of grip
showing and with a sledge hammer lying nearby. His wife Ivy was
arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury took only 15
minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defence that Barry
somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.