The Wise Women

An Enlightening Discussion

I am privileged to read to a group of wise women on a weekly basis. They are in various stages of losing their eyesight, so they welcome me! Currently we are reading River of Red Gold by Naida West, a local author and also a wise woman!

These women range in age from about 86 to 90 and while they have formed a tight-knit friendship, they each have unique background and life stories.

We frequently pause before, during or after reading–whenever somethings sparks thought–to discuss life matters. Recently the subject of marriage came up.

I also have questions about marriage, so I asked them to each answer the question: What would it take to entice you to marry? You might find their answers interesting and mind-expanding.

1: I don’t really care about money, I have everything I need! But I would enjoy a man who laughs with me and enjoys my company. That would be fun! I am not interested in travel, I like to stay home now. Oh, if he had a house near the beach or a river, some kind of water, that would be very enticing indeed.

2: Yes, what (1) said, but I DO like to travel. And I like to laugh too! If he had a motorhome that we could travel around in that would be great. Oh, and great sex is a must!

3: I did have a boyfriend for five years after my husband died (she was married for a very long time, so this was quite recent) It was wonderful! I knew when I met him that he was ill and looking for a caretaker. We lived together and I took care of him, which I enjoyed very much. I couldn’t believe that he wanted ME and so I wanted him. His health improved to the point where we had five wonderful years together.

4. I would never, under any circumstances, remarry. I believe that a relationship starts with a certain spark. It’s almost like electricity between two people. Can that still happen? (Resounding YES from the group!) I would have a boyfriend, but I’m not really interested in living with him.

This has given me much to think about, including the art of aging gracefully.