Enlightening column

As a 66-year-old man I have observed the transformation Ceres Doyo described in many women as they age (“Croned,” Opinion, 4/6/17). They become “medicine women,” seemingly preoccupied with health and wellness (and many other important things as well), sometimes annoyingly so with their constant concern and advice. I must confess the column has helped me understand this phenomenon.

I suppose as a woman matures, her nurturing capabilities come to full fruition and I see now that we should celebrate and be thankful for this important contribution rather than let our foolish machismo resist and scorn good advice and timely reminders to take care of ourselves. Maybe, if we did, our average lifespans would equal that of women and, needless to say, the world would be a better place.

It never occurred to me to find out the origin of the word “Crone/Crown.” It really would seem that society has repressed this ancient role of elderly women in the community. I hope to learn more by reading the books Doyo recommended. I thank her for enlightening me. I now appreciate my wife and, indeed, all women all the more.

JON PETTYJOHN