Names have been changed to protect the innocent
Craig's Letter...............
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 Craig, and let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife,
Sharon.
When I retired a couple years ago, it became necessary for Sharon 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,
as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make 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 Sharon,
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,
Craig
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Craig died tragically on February 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 Sharon was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury
took
only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that Craig
somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.
Craig's Letter...............
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 Craig, and let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife,
Sharon.
When I retired a couple years ago, it became necessary for Sharon 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,
as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make 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 Sharon,
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,
Craig
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Craig died tragically on February 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 Sharon was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury
took
only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that Craig
somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.
