Dear Diary,
After twentyone years of marriage, one evening my wife Emily turned to me and said,
Darling, you ought to ask another woman out for dinner and a film.
I was taken aback. She smiled and added softly,
I love you, but I know theres someone else who also loves you and has been waiting a long time for a bit of your attention.
That woman was my mother, Margaret.
She had been living alone for nineteen years since my father passed away. Work and looking after our three children drained me so much that I barely saw her. That night I rang her up and said,
Mum, lets go out for dinner and a movie tomorrow. Just the two of us.
Whats the matter, love? Everything alright? she asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
Mums always think a sudden call means bad news.
Its fine, Mum. I just want to spend an evening with you.
She was silent for a beat, then replied kindly, Id love that.
On Friday after work I drove to her flat. She was already waiting, dressed up, smiling, in the same dress she wore on our wedding anniversary years ago.
I told the girls Ive got a date with my son, she laughed. Theyre all dying to hear how it went.
We headed to a tiny, cosy bistro in Brighton. She took my armjust as gently as when I was a lad. When the menu arrived I read it aloud, because the tiny type was hard for her to make out.
I used to read the menu to you, she grinned.
My turn now, Mum, I replied.
We talked for agesabout life, about memories, about everything that had piled up between us over the years. We missed the film, but we didnt mind. When I drove her home she said,
Id like to do this again, but next time Ill be the one to invite.
I smiled and agreed.
A few days later Margaret suffered a sudden heart attack and died. I never got the chance to say goodbye. Some weeks later a plain envelope arrived. Inside was a copy of the restaurant bill and a note:
I paid in advance. I wasnt sure Id make it, but I wanted to cover a dinner for two for you and your wife. Youll never know how much that night meant to me. Love you, son.
Thats when I realised: never put off the words I love you. Give your time to those who matter. Family isnt something you schedule for later; its something you cherish right now.
Lesson learned: love and time are gifts we should hand over without delay.
