As long as youre breathing, its never truly too late. A Story Remembered
Well then, Mum, as we agreed, Ill come and fetch you tomorrow and take you there. Im certain youll enjoy it, said Benjamin, bustling around the hallway as he pulled on his coat, carefully closing the front door behind him.
Agnes Turner sank into her armchair with an air of weary resignation. After endless gentle persuasion, shed finally agreed to go. Her neighbours, true to form, had nothing but praise:
How attentive your Ben is, they gushed amongst themselves. Always sending you off for a bit of a rest, not like us, left to our own devices day in and day out.
Yet, Agness heart harboured doubts. Still, she thought, tomorrow would reveal all.
Benjamin arrived early the next morning, whisked away his mothers suitcases, settled her into the car, and off they went.
Shes a lucky one, that Agnes, the neighbours chattered over their morning tea on the garden bench. Her son finds her helpers, takes her on little holidays, not at all like our plain lot.
The boarding house was a fair way out of town.
Mum, its nearly five stars, Benjamin said, trying to sound upbeat, searching her face for approval.
When they arrived and stepped out into the neatly kept gardens, where the benches were crowded with elderly folks deep in quiet conversation, Agnes realised her anxieties were not unfounded.
She kept her composureshed long learned never to let her mask slip.
Their eyes met fleetingly. Benjamin looked away at once. Clearly, he knew shed understood just what this holiday was.
Mum, there are doctors here, all sorts of activities, friendly people to chat with. Give it a go, perhaps just three weeks to start and then, well Benjamin stumbled over his words, unable to meet her gaze. She only said quietly,
Off you go, son. And please, dont call me Mum like Im a childjust Mother, as you always used to, all right?
He nodded, greatly relieved, kissed her cheek and hurried away.
Agnes was given a choicea private room or one with a companion. She chose the lattershe couldnt stand the idea of being left alone with her thoughts.
Welcome, dear, called out a rather grand lady, elegantly perched on the sofa, At last, I shant be on my own, the names Martha Beaumont.
They exchanged introductions.
The place was indeed every bit as splendid as promised. Benjamin had sorted things wella shared sitting room and two lovely bedrooms, each with a proper bathroom.
Martha was a wealthy, solitary woman of ninety-one.
Im simply worn out, darling, she confided. Let them fuss over me now. I rent out my flat near Oxford Circus and enjoy life herecare, doctors, creative pursuits, all provided. Ive signed the flat over to my nephew, and come autumn, he takes me to the seaside. But you, my dear, what brings you here? Youre barely old at all.
Agnes smiled wryly. But the urge to confide won out.
Im not here entirely by choice. My son and his wife have their own lives now. We just never quite saw eye to eye.
My flats large enough, but once Ben and his wife could afford it, they bought their own and moved out. In truth, it was better for us allhis wife, Alison, and I never really got on. At first, I enjoyed the peace, Agnes paused, but then my health seemed to let me down.
Ah, I see, Martha said, thoughtfully removing her curlers and smoothing her hair before the mirror. Well, tonights dancing night, are you coming?
No, thank you. I think Ill have an early night, Agnes replied and retired to her room, lying down to rest.
It was trueher granddaughter, Alice, was at university up north. Shed be home after her studies, wanting a place of her own. Agnes blamed herself.
She and Alison had never really got along, though, in fairness, Agnes had interfered and clung to running things her way. Ben was torn between them, but Agnes had wanted him to take her side, not his wifes.
Foolishness, she reflected.
When they moved out, it had seemed a relief, and for a while, relations improvedBen, Alison, and Alice would visit. But soon, everything began to feel wrong again.
She became convinced everyone had forgotten her. She started imagining illnesses, playing the frail one, hoping it would bring them round more often. But Ben, seeing things differently, might have been worried Alison and she would start bickering againor maybe he was just too busy with work.
Selfish, truly, Agnes thought. It was always all about her.
Hed arranged companions for her on several occasions, but Agnes never liked any of them. She didnt want companyshe wanted attention from her own family, and it had all turned out rather badly.
Alice, her beloved granddaughter, had moved away for university, but called often,
Gran, Ill be round soon, everythings fine. And you?
Im all right, love, Agnes would answer.
Dont be lonely, Gran, Ill be back before you know it. Alice truly cared for her.
Again, Agnes blamed herself. She had told Ben her memory was going, her medicines confused her. She fibbed, hoping he might invite her to live with them.
But maybe Ben was frightened by it allperhaps he thought she was slipping away. Both he and Alison workedwho would look after her? So, hed brought her here, to this five-star retirement home.
Agnes stood and studied her reflection. An elderly woman, nearly eightybut so what? She still had her wits, her strength.
It was her own fault. Perhaps, in truth, this was best for all.
She lay down and drifted into sleep.
The three weeks dragged, seeming to stretch forever.
Ben visited every Friday, bringing treats, though there was little need. Everything was provided.
It would have been perfectif only it were truly a holiday, not, perhaps, the start of forever. That thought darkened her days.
On one visit, Ben was told, Your mothers in excellent health, Mr. Turner. Just a touch of nerves, but thats to be expected.
Agnes caught the surprise, the delight, on Bens face. Shed always imagined everyone was just waiting for her to disappear.
Alice turned up without warning one afternoon.
Gran, Dad says youre on a break? Odd place for it. Ive finished my degreecongratulate me! Are you coming home soon? Ive come back, and its far too lonely without you. Gran, would you live with me? Please?
Agness heart swelledAlice was so earnest.
Dad was going to come tomorrow, so pack your thingswere taking you home!
Agnes simply nodded, for she was near tears.
Martha, setting her hair in place, prepared for the evening.
You, my dear, must go home. This isnt for you, she remarked, a slight tone of envy sharpening her words. Youre a homebody, not a society dame. With a nod of her head, Martha swept into her room.
Agnes packed her things, still not quite believing shed be leaving this paradise.
Ben arrived early, entered the room, smiled, and all he said was, Mother, as he drew her into an embrace.
In the car sat Alice and, to her surprise, Alison as well. They exchanged glances, and warmth crept into Agness heart.
All my own fault, she thought. All my ordering about, all my wanting things my way why ever did I do that? Look at them, waiting for memy family.
Thank you, Agnes whispered, so softly, as Ben held the door for her and she settled in.
Agnes rode home, overflowing with joy and gratitude.
Everything would be different now; she believed in change.
After all, its never too late to live, to find happiness, and to make others happy as well.
