Recently life at my house has changed. During December my dad underwent open heart surgery. He pulled through fine and has made great strides in his recovery. He is eighty, so, his recovery time is slower. However, my mom has had to adjust her schedule and learn to do a few things on her own. Years ago she learned how to pump gas, but, as my parents have purchased a new car last December, she didn't know exactly where the gas cap was located. On one of the occasions she had to drive home, pumping gas was a requirement, and she did just fine. It took my sister helping her but she still did fine.
Among other things my mother has learned that writing checks is a necessity in paying bills. Granted my mom can write checks all day long if need be, but she hasn't been in charge of paying the bills in a few years. Another one of the things she excels at but was hesitant to do.
Years ago, when my dad left our family my mom had to learn to become slightly independent, however, she did not like it very much. Many women in our society are not independent and there is nothing wrong with it but it does make things harder for these less than independent women when the man of the house leaves or suddenly dies.
It was a learning experience for my mom and this time around is no different. She has learned where the gas cap release button is in the car and where the gas cap is. She has learned that in our society she has to be aware that paying at the pump is necessary. You either pay with your credit card, ATM card or just plain old fashion cash. You pay before you pump gas because thievery has become rampant in our society. Gas thieves are everywhere. Mom is not defenseless in anyway, however, learning these new things are good for her. One day, hopefully not in the near future, she will either be alone again or rely on one of us kids to take care of the normal every day things for her. I wouldn't mind to do that for my mom but I actually prefer for her to know how to do these things on her own. So I am in favor of slight independence for women, young and old alike.
Women are sometimes overly independent in our society today. But women should be prepared to do things that their husbands normally do, like, pumping gas or writing checks to pay bills. My mom wouldn't do well with online banking but she does know how to work a computer and yes, they do have a slightly newer model. Any way back to my musing, women, get out there and learn how to do simple things that men may do for you every day. Learn that your car needs oil, gas and water to run properly. Learn where these chemicals go and why you need them. You don't need to know how to overhaul your engine or transmission but make yourself aware of the simple mechanics of your car. Routine check ups are required to keep your motor running just like routine check ups at a physicians office is required for our bodies to work properly. We and our cars are alike in many areas. Learn those simple but necessary things that your car needs to function everyday. Don't be bumfussled when a mechanic asks about your transmission or your engine. We should know simple things like how many cylinders does the car engine have? Is it a V6, V8 or small V4. Know what sort of transmission you have. Know what size tires and wheels you need when the old tires wear out. Learn all you can, Ladies. It's important. It may not interest you but it is still important. One day you may find yourself alone, whether by choice or by accident. Don't wait til that day to know how to take care of things. Learn Now.
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