The Southwest Voice

When I first got married, I prided myself as being a versatile person. I sewed for five children and myself, I kept up a large yard, mowing, weeding and planting. If there was painting that needed done, I was a whiz with a roller and a paint brush. Even wallpapered once, but I didn't do too well at that. I managed to keep a three bedroom home fairly clean, considering the all kids and dogs running around. There was a hot meal on the table almost every night. I chauffeured kids to games, lessons, school and all those other places they absolutely had to be. Almost anything you might ask of me I would at least make an attempt to do it. But, never, never ask me to wash a car!
We all seem to have at least one thing we refuse to do. My daughter’s is she refuses to take out the garbage. I haven't washed a car since I was in high school and I don't plan on starting now. They have car washes all over town, and I take advantage of their service. My daughter has regulated the garbage to her kids and her husband.
Maybe it's petty to refuse to take out the garbage or wash the car. Then again it might be our way of displaying our independence. We are, as mothers, expected to keep everything running smoothly, but there's a limit. Let another family member take care of at least one menial chore. So what if the garbage piles up and car gets dirtier. They will not break our spirit. Finally one of the offspring gets the message and the trash is emptied and the car gets hosed off. We have won a battle of the wills.
We mothers don't win very many of these skirmishes and it does feel good to be a winner once in a while. Most of the time, we fold after waiting for the kids to clean their rooms and do it ourselves. They don't do a very good job anyhow.
Well, as far as garbage and cars we will not give in. Let the trash pile up and let the car get filthy. WE WILL STAND FIRM.