RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM

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RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/8/2008 2:22:11 PM

Alchemist

Posts: 88
Joined: 7/26/2007
Status: offline

Edda and Juliana

I am pleased that you enjoyed that prayer. I rather suspected (wrongly it seems) that it would have been familiar to you. I have collected several pieces of a similar nature - though mostly in the form of stories. I will be back to post one from time to time.

Alchemist

_____________________________

We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that Self may prove to be.
~ May Sarton

Post #: 141

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/8/2008 4:12:49 PM

Imenuff

Posts: 670
Joined: 3/23/2007
Status: offline

The Seven Wonders of the World
Author Unknown

Junior high school students in Chicago were
studying the Seven Wonders of the World. At
the end of the lesson, the students were asked
to list what they considered to be the Seven
Wonders of the World. Though there was some
disagreement, the following received the
most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. The Taj Mahal in India
3. The Grand Canyon in Arizona
4. The Panama Canal
5. The Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student, a quiet girl, hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The quiet girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many." The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."

The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:

1. to touch...
2. to taste...
3. to see...
4. to hear... (She hesitated a little, and then added...)
5. to feel...
6. to laugh...
7. and to love.

The room was so quiet, you could have heard a pin drop.

May this story serve as a gentle reminder to all of us that the things we overlook as simple and ordinary are often the most wonderful - and we don't have to travel anywhere special to experience them.

_____________________________

Shalom(May you be at peace in Body, Mind,& Spirit)

I'menuff

Post #: 142

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/8/2008 8:21:54 PM

Thankful one

Posts: 1699
Joined: 12/23/2007
Status: offline

True Love
Let music wash your sorrows away when all goes astray, may your tears bring a new day.
Every passing storm gives many fear and run, while others embrace it letting their tears fall to the ground.
May I be there in your times of need to catch your tears, and hold you close to my heart to take away your fears.
The vows I said still hold true, I will stay by your side no matter what we go thru.
What our future holds is uncertain and unclear, with you by my side I know we'll get there.
What paths shall we walk together hand in hand, making beautiful memories like foot prints in the sand.
Shall we take a beaten path or make our own for others to follow, will it be long and narrow filled with sorrow or will it wind touching others as we pass by sharing our memories.
Always know that I shall be by your side on the road we walk to catch you when you fall and carry you when your tired.
Should my path ever leave yours in this life always remember I am still by your side holding you close to me, with our love close to my heart and I shall wait for you on those distant shores till our paths meet again with open arms and tears of joy.
There I shall hold you in my arms watching the sun set with love as deep and timeless as the sea.
There is but one word I can use where no others can explain my feelings or emotions, so I say to you with all my heart and soul....
I love you

Post #: 143

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/9/2008 7:03:48 AM

buttington

Posts: 1570
Joined: 6/9/2007
From: UK
Status: offline

Thankful one, that is so beautiful.

Jude

_____________________________

Love is the only way

Post #: 144

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/9/2008 7:10:24 AM

buttington

Posts: 1570
Joined: 6/9/2007
From: UK
Status: offline

> Purple Hats!
>
> In honour of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost
> her fight with cancer. Pass this on to five women that you want watched
> over. If you don't know five women to pass this on to, one will do just
> fine.
>
> IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out
> she was dying from cancer).
>
> I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead
> of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there
> for the day.
>
> I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in
> storage.
>
> I would have talked less and listened more.
>
> I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained,
> or the sofa faded.
>
> I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much
> less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace
>
> I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his
> youth.
>
> I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
>
> I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day
> because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
>
> I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
>
> I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more
> while watching life.
>
> I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't
> show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
>
> Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every
> moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only
> chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
>
> When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go
> get washed up for dinner." There would have
> been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's."
>
> But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at
> it and really see it, live it and never give it
> back.
>
> Stop sweating the small stuff.
>
> Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.
>
> Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
>
> Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing each
> day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you all
> have a blessed day.
>
> Beautiful Women's Month
>
> Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a Queen.
> Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella.
> Age 15: She looks at herself and sees an Ugly Sister (Mum I can't go to
> school looking like this!)
> Age 20: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall,
> too straight/too curly"- but decides she's going out anyway.
> Age 30: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall,
> too straight/too curly" - but decides she doesn't have time to fix it, so
> she's going out anyway.
> Age 40: She looks at herself and sees "clean" and goes out anyway.
> Age 50: She looks at herself and sees "I am" and goes wherever she wants to
> go.
> Age 60: She looks at herself and reminds herself of all the people who can't
> even see themselves in the mirror anymore.
> Goes out and conquers the world.
> Age 70: She looks at herself & sees wisdom, laughter and ability, goes out
> and enjoys life.
> Age 80: Doesn't bother to look Just puts on a purple hat and goes out to
> have fun with the world.
>
> Send this on to all the women you are grateful to have as friends.
> Maybe we should all grab that purple hat earlier.

_____________________________

Love is the only way

Post #: 145

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/9/2008 8:46:52 AM

Hildegard

Posts: 2273
Joined: 8/30/2006
From: Chicago
Status: offline

JUde, thank you for Erma Bombeck's list! I always like her sense of humor and practical wisdom!

Edda

_____________________________

Peace and joy!

Post #: 146

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/9/2008 9:25:35 AM

J1937

Posts: 703
Joined: 6/25/2007
From: Austria/Europe
Status: offline

Thank you, Jude! At last I know where that "purple hat" which my friends used to talk about comes from.

Juliana

Post #: 147

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/9/2008 3:10:42 PM

Alchemist

Posts: 88
Joined: 7/26/2007
Status: offline

Imenuff

That is one of my favorites. Thank you for the reminder.

Thankful One

Thank you for the heartfelt poem. Very nice.

Jude

Thank you. It is interesting how circumstances can change perspective.

I would like to share a perspective on friendship. Unfortunately I have never been able to discover the author.

A Friend

A friend is a person whom you want to have near when you are dying.
And whom you like to be with while you are living;
To whom you spontaneously turn for help when you are in trouble.
And who is the first to hear the good news when you have good fortune;
Whose counsel you seek when you are perplexed.
And whose congratulations you welcome when the perplexity is solved;
In whom you can confide the secret you want no other living soul to know.
Yet will never pry into your heart to discover
whether there are any more secrets to be revealed;
On whom you can lean when your heart aches.
But who will never take advantage of your leaning;
Who will get down on his knees beside you when you are down.
And forget that he did so when you are on your feet again;
And whose shoulder you can weep on when you are sad.
And with whom you enjoy laughing when you are glad;
Who has a tear on his cheek when you suffer.
And a twinkle in his eye when the sun shines on you again;
Who has pain in his tone when you are in distress.
And melody in his voice when your heart is gay;
Who admires you for your strong points.
But loves you in spite of your weak ones;
Who can laugh at your foibles.
Without despising you for having them;
Who makes allowance for your limitations.
Without allowing them to obscure your talents;
Who is proud of you when fortune favors you.
But not ashamed of you when you fail;
Who contributes to your success without claiming any share in it.
Who can feel and show satisfaction when you please him.
But never resentment when you disappoint him;
Who will tell you the truth even when it hurts.
And to whom you can tell the truth without his taking offense;
Who is not ashamed to ask you a favor even at the risk of being imposed upon.
Who can extend a helping hand and lighten your load
Without expecting any other reward than having had the privilege of so doing;
Who gives all he can whenever he can.
Without ever keeping a record of what he has given;
Who says the best about you when everybody else is saying the worst.
Any person needs at least four such friends;
Every person owes it to himself to be such a friend to at least four fellow humans.

God help me to be such a friend.

_____________________________

We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that Self may prove to be.
~ May Sarton

Post #: 148

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/9/2008 3:40:51 PM

J1937

Posts: 703
Joined: 6/25/2007
From: Austria/Europe
Status: offline

Alchemist: Reading this text, I regret the fact that English is not my mother tongue, as I am unable to find the right words to say what I feel should be said about it. Thank you warmly for sharing it.

I am reminded of what Ortega y Gasset says: "When talking about love, let us not forget friendship."

Juliana
_____________________________
Speak Peace in a World of Conflict

Post #: 149

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/9/2008 4:38:32 PM

Alchemist

Posts: 88
Joined: 7/26/2007
Status: offline

Juliana

You're welcome. I didn't know the Ortega Y Gasset quote but it was the same idea which reminded me of "A Friend" as I read the post by Thankful one.

Alchemist

_____________________________

We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that Self may prove to be.
~ May Sarton

Post #: 150

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/9/2008 8:28:10 PM

Imenuff

Posts: 670
Joined: 3/23/2007
Status: offline

Thank you Allchemist and Thankful one for your posts on love and friendship. They are both perfect preludes to Valentine Day and good reminders of how much each of us is loved by the Divine. May we each give as gift what we have been given.

Jude, Thank you for the Erma Bombeck post. Her sense of humor has always been so practical and yet always capable of getting us to laugh at ourselves. I love this particular writing of hers. As parents, for some of you, grandparents, friends and fellow travelers on this road of life, it reminds us what is really most important. I love the age descriptions after 40, though I am much past that. The older I get, the more I realize how little I know and how few answers I really have but it no longer matters that much. It is so much more enjoyable to experience the mystery and surprises of life than to spend life attempting to find all the right answers. It like having lost something and no longer looking for it and then when you least expect, there it is right in front of you.

May all have a truly blessed weekend.

_____________________________

Shalom(May you be at peace in Body, Mind,& Spirit)

I'menuff

Post #: 151

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/13/2008 9:01:06 AM

Alchemist

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Joined: 7/26/2007
Status: offline

Imenuff

You are most welcome.

As a prelude to St. Valentines day I am reminded of a story of the power of love. As we know, love appears in many forms. Enjoy.

Keep On Singing

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling.

They find out that the new baby is going to be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sings to his sister in Mommy's tummy.

The pregnancy progresses normally for Karen, an active member of the Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee. Then The labor pains come.

Every five minutes ... every minute. But Complications arise during delivery. Hours of labor. Would a C-section be required?

Finally, Michael's little sister is born. But she is in serious condition. With siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushes the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The days inch by. The little girl gets worse. The pediatric specialist tells the parents, "There is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst." Karen and her husband contact a local cemetery about a burial plot. They have fixed up a special room in their home for the new baby - now they plan a funeral.

Michael, keeps begging his parents to let him see his sister, "I want to sing to her," he says. Week two in intensive care. It looks as if a funeral will come before the week is over. Michael keeps nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care. But Karen makes up her mind. She will take Michael whether they like it or not.

If he doesn't see his sister now, he may never see her alive. She dresses him in an oversized scrub suit and marches him into ICU. He looks like a walking laundry basket, but the head nurse recognizes him as a child and bellows, "Get that kid out of here now! No children are allowed.

The mother rises up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glares steel-eyed into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line. "He is not leaving until he sings to his sister!" Karen tows Michael to his sister's bedside.

He gazes at the tiny infant losing the battle to live.

And he begins to sing. In the pure hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sings:
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray --- "

Instantly the baby girl responds. The pulse rate becomes calm and steady.

Keep on singing, Michael. "You never know, dear, how much I love you, Please don't take my sunshine away---" The ragged, strained breathing becomes as smooth as a kitten's purr.

Keep on singing, Michael. "The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms..." Michael's little sister relaxes as rest, healing rest, seems to sweep over her.

Keep on singing, Michael. Tears conquer the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glows. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't, take my sunshine away."

Funeral plans are scrapped. The next, day-the very next day-the little girl is well enough to go home!

Woman's Day magazine called it "The Miracle of a brother's song."
The medical staff just called it a Miracle. Karen called it a Miracle of God's love!

_____________________________

We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that Self may prove to be.
~ May Sarton

Post #: 152

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/13/2008 9:24:51 AM

J1937

Posts: 703
Joined: 6/25/2007
From: Austria/Europe
Status: offline

That is beautiful, Alchemist. Thank you very much. It strengthens my belief in the power of Love. It seems to me that unlike you in the "New World" we are a rather critical lot here in the old one, having had to deal with the cruel reality of two world wars. The concept of "love" seems to have been out of public discussion for quite a while. A student of philosophy told me that they had, in the entire course of their studies, never even mentioned it. It is problematic, as it can mean... everything or... nothing. Only lately can one notice that it has been coming back. I love a saying of our Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. He suggests that we "wash" or "clean" much used and abused words, around which a layer of dirt has accumulated. Obviously the word "love" needs a particularly thorough wash!

Juliana
_____________________________
Speak Peace in a World of Conflict

Post #: 153

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/13/2008 10:39:18 AM

Alchemist

Posts: 88
Joined: 7/26/2007
Status: offline

Juliana

I also majored in philosophy and had the same experience. I think academia in the US tries hard to match the 'sophistication' of Europe. Certain subjects and topics are verboten. Perhaps this next entry will clean off some of the stigma around the word love.

What does Love mean?

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

---------------------------------

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."

Rebecca- age 8
---------------------------------

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."

Billy - age 4
---------------------------------

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."

Karl - age 5
---------------------------------

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."

Chrissy - age 6
---------------------------------

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."

Terri - age 4
---------------------------------

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."

Danny - age 7
---------------------------------

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss"

Emily - age 8
---------------------------------

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."

Bobby - age 7
---------------------------------

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate."

Nikka - age 6

---------------------------------

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."

Noelle - age 7
---------------------------------

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."

Tommy - age 6
---------------------------------

"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.
He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
Cindy - age 8
---------------------------------

"My mommy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."

Clare - age 6
---------------------------------

"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."

Elaine-age 5
---------------------------------

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."

Chris - age 7
---------------------------------

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."

Mary Ann - age 4
---------------------------------

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."

Lauren - age 4
---------------------------------

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you."

Karen - age 7

---------------------------------

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."

Jessica - age 8
---------------------------------

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge.
The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.
When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,

"Nothing, I just helped him cry"

_____________________________

We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that Self may prove to be.
~ May Sarton

Post #: 154

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/13/2008 2:15:27 PM

buttington

Posts: 1570
Joined: 6/9/2007
From: UK
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I can remember growing up with this particular stigma over the word Love. It seems incredible now, that then it was considered 'soppy' and embarrassing if used for anything other than food you 'loved' or pop-songs or film stars for instance. It took me until my late 40s to feel comfortable saying it.

Jude

_____________________________

Love is the only way

Post #: 155

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/14/2008 8:40:12 PM

Thankful one

Posts: 1699
Joined: 12/23/2007
Status: offline

Alchemist,
You've done it again.

I came home in a good mood. I was smiling when I came through the door.

I read your posts.

Started crying.

Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful story of the singing and the kids views on love. It made my day and gave me needed perspective. I love your posts like these ones.

Thankful one

Post #: 156

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/15/2008 4:03:23 AM

J1937

Posts: 703
Joined: 6/25/2007
From: Austria/Europe
Status: offline

Perhaps this is the best that we can do here - share our grief and help each other cry, like the little boy did... Grateful for the gift of tears, which soften the soil of our hearts...

Juliana
_____________________________
Speak Peace in a World of Conflict

Post #: 157

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/17/2008 12:41:25 AM

Thankful one

Posts: 1699
Joined: 12/23/2007
Status: offline

Old Age, I decided, is a gift!

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body - the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt.

And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don't agonize over those things for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.

As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avant-garde on my patio.

I am entitled to overeat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 am, and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini set. They, too, will get old!

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten, and I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when a beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

I can say 'no', and mean it. I can say 'yes', and mean it.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become.

I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.

And I shall eat dessert every single day.

Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles.

Author unknown

Post #: 158

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/17/2008 12:46:32 AM

Thankful one

Posts: 1699
Joined: 12/23/2007
Status: offline

This Kind of Stuff Has Got To Stop In Our Country

We Must Stop This Immediately!

Have you noticed that stairs are getting steeper? Groceries are heavier. And, everything is farther away.

Yesterday I walked to the corner and I was dumbfounded to discover how long our street has become! This extension work was apparently done at night!! Very sneaky stuff.

And, you know, people are less considerate now, especially the youngsters. They speak in whispers all the time! If you ask them to speak up they just keep repeating themselves, endlessly mouthing the same silent message until they're red in the face! What do they think I am, a lip reader?

I also think they are much younger than I was at the same age.

On the other hand, people my own age are so much older than I am. I ran into an old friend the other day, and she has aged so much that she didn't even recognize me.

I got to thinking about the poor dear while I was combing my hair this morning, and in doing so, I glanced at my own reflection........ Well, REALLY NOW - even mirrors are not made the way they used to be!

Another thing, everyone drives so fast these days! You're risking life and limb if you happen to pull onto the freeway in front of them.

All I can say is, their brakes must wear out awfully fast, the way I see them screech and swerve in my rear view mirror.

Clothing manufacturers are less civilized these days. Why else would they suddenly start labelling a size 32 pair of pants a 42, or medium shirt as 'extra large'? Do they think no one notices that these things no longer fit around the waist, hips, thighs, and neck?

The people who make bathroom scales are pulling the same prank, but in reverse. Do they think I actually "believe" the number I see on that dial? Heck! I would never let myself weigh that much!

Just who do these people think they're fooling? I'd like to call up someone in authority to report what's going on -- but the telephone company is in on the conspiracy too: they've printed the phone books in such small type that no one could ever find a number in there!

All I can do is pass along this warning: We are under attack! Unless something drastic happens, pretty soon everyone will have to suffer these awful indignities.

PS: I am sending this to you in a larger font size, because something has caused my computer's regular fonts to be smaller than they once were. (They must be sneaking to my house and messing around with my computer. Probably CIA....!!!) Pretty scary stuff huh?

Post #: 159

RE: PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM - 2/17/2008 12:54:46 AM

Thankful one

Posts: 1699
Joined: 12/23/2007
Status: offline

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 March, it became necessary for Nadine 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 to 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 says 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.

Nadine 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 Nadine 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, April 25th

Nadine was acquitted Monday, April 27th.

Post #: 160