‘What’s wrong, are you well?” she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.
‘I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,’ I responded. ‘Just the two of us.’
She thought about it for a moment, and then said, ‘I would like that very much.’
I was a little anxious when I drove over to pick her up that Friday after work. She appeared to be anxious about our date as well when I got to her house. Wearing her coat, she waited in the door. She was wearing the outfit she wore to mark her last wedding anniversary, and her hair was curled. Her smile came from a face as bright as an angel’s. As she got into the car, she remarked, “My friends were impressed when I told them I was going out with my son.” “They are eager to learn about our encounter.”
We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entrees, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. ‘It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,’ she said. ‘Then it’s time that you relax and let me return the favor,’ I responded.
During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation — nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other’s life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, ‘I’ll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.’ I agreed.
‘How was your dinner date?’ Asked my wife when I got home.
‘Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,’ I answered.
My mother passed away after a severe heart attack a few days later. I did not have time to help her because it happened so abruptly. A copy of a restaurant receipt from the same establishment where my mother and I had eaten was enclosed in an envelope I received some time later. “I paid this bill in advance,” read a message that was attached. Even though I was not certain I could make it, I still bought two plates: one for you and one for your wife. You have no idea how much that night meant to me.
‘I love you, son.’
At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: ‘I love you,’ and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till ‘some other time.’ “
If you are blessed enough to have your parents still with you, give them and yourself the gift of time together – you will never regret it!