06.30.07
Men and Why I Like Them
I have been very lucky to have known good and decent men during my entire lifetime, beginning with my father, and continuing with my husband and my son, all of whom were or are hardworking and honest as the day is long, not to mention loving. Having had these positive experiences with males, I have actually come to prefer their company. Why? They make a whole lot more sense than a lot of women I’ve known. While it may not be true in some cases, most men do not tend to engage in the pettiness that belies and defines the weaker sex. Men are not usually into the game playing, manipulation, and social posturing that some women engage in. I’ll say it again. Doggone it, I do like the opposite sex!
The other night, when we were at an event, and veterans and or active duty military members were asked to stand up, my heart swelled with pride when my husband took his rightful place among those standing. He has served his country and his community well, with his work, sometimes work that others would like to look down upon. All of it required personal dedication, strength, and bravery.
I am proud that he chooses to work in geriatric care now, where he is making a difference in the lives of the old people that he cares for: bathing them, turning them, lifting them, feeding them, assisting them to the bathroom, making sure they don’t fall, attending to their every personal need, in a gentle, caring manner, and also being present at their sacred hour of death.
Yes, the men I have known have had some depth of spirit and a willingness to help others. My dear son has given up his summer to teach Latino and Black inner city “kids” who need help with English, and who hope to attend college soon. This is not the first time he has worked with Latinos. He has taught English as a Second Language (as I did, to a more limited degree), and in all, has been teaching for a total of ten years now, seven of those years devoted to teaching English at the university level. I am so proud of him and all that he brings to Education, especially his lack of discrimination toward neither the affluent, spoiled brats that cross his path nor the poorest of the poor, minority population. This is called Integrity. This is called Service. This is called being selected for a Greater Purpose than oneself. This is called Making a Contribution.
Today, I shall see my grandson. He is a love and a total joy. I am so happy to have lived long enough to have known I had a grandson. Our days are numbered, and like the hairs on our head, only the Almighty knows how many there are.
My days are full, but they are ordered only by me. I am happy to work for myself and to do free-lance journalism. I have much left to do, God willing. I appreciate my loyal readers and my “virtual” students of needlework and quilting, who sometimes put up with reading my reflections on LIFE.
You’ve heard the expression, “Looking for just one good man”? I’ve got a few of them, and boy, am I lucky or what?
Patricia Cummings, who hopes to find the time to create and post a file of flowers from our garden, later today. Stay tuned. In the meantime, “Walk on the Sunny Side of Life.”
