Fifty And Helpless?

Why is it that our kids think we are over the hill when we hit our fifties? While it is true we can't do some of the things we used to do as well anymore, we aren't helpless. It's not that we cannot figure out how to program the VCR or the DVD players, it's because we can no longer read all that small print.

"Honey, can you figure out this VCR?"
"Nah, leave the tape sticking out like that ... When the kids come, they will set it up."
"Should I call them?"
"No, you don't want to think we can't do it, do you? Besides, they'll be here later."

Why is it that the kids insist on doing some of our chores? Do they think we can't handle them ourselves?

"Honey, are you going to put the ladder away? You finished glazing the window, didn't you?"
"Nah, I never started it yet. Since the ladder is already there, the son-in-law will take care of it."

Do they think I can't change the washer on the kitchen sink? By the time I got all the tools and parts together, I had to sit down for a spell. Do they really think I was unable to finish shoveling the rest of the snow from the driveway? I had to come in and a cup of cocoa to warm up.

"Dad, my husband said he'll help you change that washer in the sink."
"He doesn't have to. I can do it."
"That's okay, he doesn't mind."
"While you are having your cocoa, he's finishing up the driveway."
"Aw, I don't expect you come to visit and do my work."
"Don't worry, Dad. he's glad to do it."

Why do they think we don't know how to use our computer? (A special thanks to Cheri for having this picture available for me to "borrow.") Besides, with all those "kilos and mega hurts," they practically run themselves. We don't deal in freight, so we don't need to know importing and exporting. We were going to clean the disk, but we misplaced the little brush.

"Mom, I'll clean up the disk space for you."
"While I'm at it, I'll run a spyware scan, defrag, and clean the cache."

Would you agree that we actually have everything under control? In one weekend I managed to get a washer replaced, the window glazed, the driveway shoveled, the VCR running, and the computer running faster. What makes the kids think we are helpless anyway? It seems to me that I was pretty efficient.

Helpless at fifty? I don't think so. My wife and I exchange high fives as the kids are pulling out of the driveway on the way home.

No.469