My name is Bill. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Bonnie… When I retired a few months ago, it became necessary for Bonnie 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 club 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 club, so eating out is out of the question… I’m ready for some home-cooked grub 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 they 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 her 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 tact is one of my strong points.
When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She has 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 her self a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for awhile… And, as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me too.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Bonnie… I’m not saying that showing this much consideration is easy.
Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible! Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older.
However, guys, even if you just use a just a little more tact and a little less criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile… After all, we are put on this earth to help each other.
Signed, Bill
EDITOR’S NOTE
Bill died suddenly on November 8, 2007 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 a sledge hammer laying nearby.
His wife, Bonnie was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury took only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that Bill somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his own golf club.