How to handle retirement

> My name is Bill. Let me relate how I handled
> the situation with my wife, Becky. When I retired a few
> years ago, it became necessary for Becky 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 at the country club so
> eating out is not reasonable. 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 aging is complaining, I
> think. 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 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 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 Becky. 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 little more tact and 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 Hite
>
> EDITOR'S NOTE:
> Bill died suddenly on January 8th, 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, Becky 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.