"Try a Little Kindness" Humor

Dear Friends,

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 they did when they were
younger. When men notice this, they should try not to
yell. Let me relate how I handle the situation.

When I got laid off from my consulting job and took
"early retirement" in April, it became necessary for
Nancy to get a full-time job, both for extra income
and for the health benefits that we need. It was
shortly after she started working that I noticed that
she was beginning to show her age.

I usually get home from fishing or hunting about the
same time she gets home from work. Although she knows
how hungry I am, she almost always says that she has
to rest for half an hour or so before she starts
supper.

I try not to yell, instead I tell her to take her time
and just wake me when she finally does get supper on
the table. She used to do the dishes as soon as we
finished eating. It is now not unusual for them to sit
on the table for several hours after supper. I do what
I can by reminding her several times each evening that
they aren't cleaning themselves. I know she
appreciates this, as it does seem to help her get them
done before she goes bed.

Now that she is older she seems to get tired so much
more quickly. Our washer and dryer are in the
basement. Sometimes she just can't make another trip
down those steps. I don't make a big issue of this. As
long as she finishes up the laundry the next evening I
am willing to overlook it. Not only that, but unless
I need something ironed to wear to the Monday lodge
meeting or to Wednesday's or Saturday's poker club or
to Tuesday's or Thursday's bowling or something like
that, I will tell her to wait until the next evening
to do the ironing. This gives her a little more time
to do some of those odds and ends things like
shampooing the dog, vacuuming or dusting.
Also, if I have a really good day of fishing, this
allows her to gut and scale the fish at a more
leisurely pace.

Nancy is starting to complain a little occasionally.
For example, she will say that it is difficult for her
to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch
hour. In spite of her complaining, I continue to try
to 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.

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
embarrass her when she needs these little extra rest
breaks. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold
glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a
while. I tell her that as long as she is making one
for herself, she may as well make one for me and take
her break by the hammock so she can talk with me until
I fall asleep.

I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I
support Nancy on a daily basis. I'm not saying that
the ability to show this much consideration is easy.
Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it
impossible. No one knows better than I do how
frustrating women can become as they get older.
However, guys, even if you just yell at your wife a
little less often because of this article, I will
consider that writing it was worthwhile.
Signed, Bob

BOB'S FUNERAL was on Saturday, January 25th.
NANCY was ACQUITTED Monday, January 27 th.