A Women’s Role in the World

A Women's Role in the World

When you get right down to it, would this world be the same without women. The older I get, the wiser I get, and more tolerant. I believe that tolerance comes from an understanding that only comes from having lived many lives in one and walked one million miles. Men can say what they want, but my observation shows that when they get old, they do not feel safe without a woman around. There's just something about a stable home maker and cook, they can not get any other way.

I recently took a job with housework and help with the elderly and shut-in. Just being around them makes me thankful for my strong body and quick mind. There is an older man, especially living in a 5th wheel trailer, permanently parked in a camping park. His neighbors are all single or widowed older men, and band together for comfort, friendship and meals.

I go to his place once a week and work for about an hour, dusting and vacuuming and cleaning. While I was there, his friends just "happen" by sitting on the terrace with him. It begins with its neighbors and ending with 4 or 5 men who sit on the terrace and listen to the sounds coming from the trailer. Vacuuming, dusting, washing up. I catch a glance in my direction now and then, and I know they share the presence of a woman with their friends. Just to have a woman wielding a vacuum cleaner and doing household sounds that are nourishment for their souls. I do not mind, I know I can help them just by being there.

The older "man of the house," confides in me, some of the strangest things you can imagine. He hardly knows me, but when he told me he had a friend from 50 miles away, comes to visit him, I spent a little extra effort to make the place smell nice and clean.

When I was ready to leave, the day I bent over and whispered to him: "When they leave early, do not believe that their little excuses. It's because your room is stinky but I made sure that will happen in evening. " The next week, he let me know that he had been 'lucky'. I smiled. There is so little comfort when you are old, weak and sick, and I'm glad I've found a way to give some of that to another human. It's amazing what a gift it is to just be present among these old men who gather around the scent of a woman, but it seems not to notice.

So ladies, when you feel neglected or taken for granted, let me assure you that without you the world is cold and harsh. They do not tell you this. They may not even realize what this world would be without you. Their very presence, doting on the home, doing normal daily activities is a great gift to those around you. It is not only clean homes or ready meals. It is a feeling of being cared for, will not reach them any other way.