In my neighborhood I can name four families where one or the other spouse is disabled, either temporarily or permanently, and being cared for by their own spouse. In fact, our home is one of them.

My husband recently had foot surgery and his activities have been temporarily limited. This is a rough spot for me, as prior to his surgery he did most of the cooking, shopping and also cared for the dogs, providing them with daily walks.

Now I am doing my best to serve as well as he has, and it ain’t easy, not after I have worked all day. Plus, I am limited by some physical problems of my own.

I am cognizant of my wedding vows, you know, where we promised to stick together ‘through sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, and so on and on.

My question is this. “Does that apply to my having to make daily trips to Walmart?”

My hubby loves grocery shopping and goes to Walmart every day. This is a habit I believe he acquired when he was living in Spain many years ago and he went to the market daily to be sure what he was buying was fresh.

Now, since he has been unable to drive, he has daily provided me with a list of items he “needs” from Walmart. The primary item on the list is always apple fritters. He is addicted to apple fritters and enjoys having a couple each day with his coffee – always laced with half and half.

Being the good wife that I am, I honor his requests and keep him well supplied as best I can.

I am thinking I will need all his help soon enough, when my physical abilities become limited.

Taking turns is what it is all about at our ages. Remembering the great Biblical advice, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”