Dr. Ruth's Observations About Her "Widow's Austerity Budget"
I gave some attention in my book FINDING HUMOR IN GRIEF to the fact that, once my husband, Waverly died, my household income was significantly diminished. I remained the lady of the house, but became the housekeeper, groundskeeper, pool boy, and head chef. Yes, I cried the fist time I fell into the pool trying to clean it the way the pool service had done. Through audible, tearful mumblings, I told God, "I liked Waverly's World better.
What have I learned these two and a half years? To begin with, I now know the precise locations of the lights in both the refrigerator and the freezer because neither is packed so full of foodstuffs that the light is obscured. I no longer have tupperware tubs filled with unidentifiable items that sprouted multi-colored mold while waiting to be eaten. No, no, that tupperware is filled with easily identifiable items I call tomorrow night's dinner!
I've become a math whiz in my mind. For example, while traveling to work three days before payday, I can concentrate on traffic patterns around me, while calculating the number of miles between work and home, multiplied by the number of gallons of gas I have available. In an instant, I know whether to rub my brow in silence or find a happy radio station. The other day, I filled my large gas tank to the brim, and when I returned the pump handle to its cradle, I thought I heard a burp! More than once I've threatened my vehicle by saying it could be replaced by a horse and a bucket of feed! Still, the words flashing across the screen next to my steering column continue to say, "Please refuel -- right now!"
With joy in my heart and a humble spirit, I've learned to enjoy "Ruth's Reality" a-l-m-o-s-t as much as I loved "Waverly's World."
