I came to visit, I missed you, but children feel like strangers now
Parents are always concerned for their children. Yet there are times, as I recall, when parents become disappointed in their grown-up sons and daughters. That is the case in this story from years gone by, about what can become of adult daughters.
A Mothers Reminiscence
Margaret raised three children. All fully grown now and leading their own separate lives. Her eldest, a son named Robert, had a family of his own and had moved abroad for work. On holidays, he would send photographs and postcards back to England. Margaret cherished every one, storing them carefully and pulling them out from time to time, gazing at them with deep affection.
We miss you dearly, son. Could you visit sometime? At least we might meet your wife and our grandchildren, she wrote in one faded letter.
Her middle daughter, Alice, had married a man in the army. They moved often from post to post and were raising a young daughter. Every so often, they would make a flying visit back home. Margarets husband, John, had great respect for his son-in-law their Alice had chosen well.
The youngest, Lily, had not settled into family life. Once married, she had a son, but her husband left her soon after. Taking her mothers advice, Lily packed up for London in hopes of a brighter future, taking her young boy along. She found work as a seamstress in a factory.
One day, Margaret decided to pay Lily a visit.
Will you manage on your own for a week? Margaret asked her husband. Id like to see Lily, to find out how she and our grandson are faring.
John walked her to the station. Though the bags were heavy, Margaret wanted to bring Lily something special. The train ride in a third-class carriage seemed endless, but she was eager it had been three years since she last saw her daughter.
Mother, why didnt you call to say you were coming? Im at work right now. I can only fetch you from the station in the evening, Lilys voice came over the phone.
I wanted to surprise you, dear! Margaret replied, somewhat sheepishly. Are you sure you dont mind waiting?
Its fine. So Margaret waited, then, growing impatient, made her own way.
At the door stood her grandson, tall and solemn so like his grandfather once was.
Hello, my boy! Margaret beamed, hugging him.
Thats enough, Gran. He awkwardly disentangled himself from her embrace.
Why didnt you come sooner? Lily asked, looking weary.
I had to tidy up and prepare the table for you. I left work early today and began making some beef stew and frying pork cutlets.
Margarets phone rang; John was calling yet again to check up on her. She reassured him all was well someone had helped her with her bags and she was now at Lilys, sharing dinner at her tidy kitchen table.
As they sat down, Lily, plating the stew, asked, Will you have one cutlet or two? Margaret, famished, felt she could eat three, but replied, Just leave them on the table Ill help myself as we go.
Soon enough, a plate with five cutlets graced the plain white tablecloth. This was to be the special dinner, mother and daughter reunited. Margaret thought perhaps they were struggling a bit, and made a silent promise to help.
Halfway through dinner, Lily asked directly, When are you planning to go home, Mum? Margaret felt wounded and said, If Im in the way, I can leave tomorrow.
Margaret spent the daytime alone in their small flat, and in the evening everyone retreated to their own rooms. Later the boy went to the neighbours, Lily off with friends; Margaret sat in silence, by herself.
The days grew dull. Margaret realised, with a heavy heart, that her presence was not desired. As she packed her things, she happened to overhear her grandson ask, Whens Uncle Robert coming to visit? He promised to take me to the football.
When Grandmas gone, Lily replied flatly.
That was all Margaret needed to hear. She quickly gathered her bags and slipped away, not stopping to say goodbye. John met her at the station, all smiles he had missed her dreadfully.
And so Margaret learned, as so many parents do, that in spite of all the love and care given, there comes a time when your children no longer need you as they once did.
