Day 40 – Post 17

A chat with the ladies

“But dad........”

Lately, whining is all I hear out of my daughters Bethany and Patricia. They want to drive the family car but the problem in Saudi Arabia is that women aren't allowed. If a woman is caught driving she will be stoned. Simple fact of life around here. I don't see it as a huge deal but the whining has convinced me that I must address a more important issue - my remaining sane.

My wife Jill has been all over my case to explain the situation to the twins in an effort to alleviate concerns and offer solutions.

I sat down today and laid it out in a small speech:

Ladies,

I remember when you were just little girls and now you've grown into two beautiful ladies. Your beauty is what has to be protected. If the Saudi men saw how beautiful you were, they would want to bury that beauty forever in a pile of stones.

If you need to drive just ask me. Alternatively, wear the burkas we bought you, hail a taxi, and then climb into the driver's trunk so that you won't be seen in public. Both realistic and practical solutions.

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I asked for any questions and my girls were silent. I was surprised and asked them for general comments.

Here is what I received.

Bethany - “I have decided to randomly date Saudi men and utilize them for their transportation and potential oil money; you never know if you might meet a prince”

Patricia - “I already drive father. Sadly, you lie about my beauty. I have become less feminine in the cruel desert sun and more mannish. Today, I was even approached by a cleric to join the East Jiwaki Men's Choir and help them in their musical rendition of Fight Club, a role they stated usually requiring a great deal of facial hair.”

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Wow, just wow. I was floored. My little girls are growing up.