I chanced upon this heartwarming story in one of the emails sent to me. After I read it, tears welled up in my eyes. This story has certainly touches me in so many ways because I have been a selfish daughter lately. Did you know that the last time I saw my mother, it was exactly 4 months ago? And that she wasn't living in some far away state but right here in the heart of KL, which is about 30 minutes drive from my house! And its been a while since I last called her. But mom didn't feel hurt or resentful because she understands my role as a wife. That as a muslim wife, your place is beside your husband. Your parents came in second. Mom is a divorcee and has never remarried.
I have been taking mom for granted these days. Many times, I have postponed my monthly visits to her place. The fact that she lives within 40 km radius from where I live has somewhat put off the idea of wanting to see her often. Since she lives nearby, I told myself that I could always visit her anytime and anyday that I want to.
But after reading this beautiful story, I'm determined to visit her as often as I could, even if there is nothing to gossip about (yeah, me and mom like to gossip just about anything...woo hoo) or just ring her to say hello. Before she close her eyes for the last time, I want her to know that she means a lot to me.
*****************************************************
After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my mother, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.
That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. 'What's wrong, are you well?' she asked?
My Mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a 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.'That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.
'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son and they were impressed,' she said, as she got into the car. 'They can't wait to hear about our meeting.'
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 mother 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 favour,' 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.
'Very nice, Much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.
A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for 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.
