As long as youre alive, its never too late.
Well then, Mum, just as we agreed, Ill pick you up tomorrow and drop you off. Im certain youre going to love it there, said Benjamin as he hurriedly put on his coat and pulled the front door closed behind him.
Anne Wilson sunk wearily onto the sofa. After much persuasion, she had given in to going. The neighbours were always full of admiration.
Your Ben is so considerate, Anne. Off he goes, sending you on holiday again!
But a sliver of doubt crept into Annes heart. Oh well, by tomorrow itd all be clear.
The next morning, Benjamin arrived early. He quickly took her cases, helped her into the car, and off they went.
What a lucky one, the neighbours muttered from their bench beside the garden, her son hires her a housekeeper, sends her away on breaksunlike us, just scraping by as usual.
The care home was outside the city.
Its almost five stars, Mum, Ben looked at her a little nervously.
When they arrived and stepped out on the grounds, where only elderly people sat on benches, Anne realised her doubts had not been for nothing.
Still, she gave no hintshe had always believed in keeping up appearances.
She met her sons eyes, but he looked away at once, clearly aware shed seen right through it.
Mum, there are doctors here, interesting activities, lots of people to chat to. Give it a tryfor three weeks, at least, and then, well… Benjamin stammered, unable to meet her gaze. She only replied,
Off you go, son. And dont call me Mum like a little boycall me Mother, like you used to, alright?
He nodded in relief, kissed her cheek, and left.
Anne was offered a choiceprivate room or a shared one. She picked to shareshe wasnt keen to be left with just her thoughts.
Welcome, dear, greeted a splendid lady reclining on the settee. At last, I have some company. Im Marian Lawrence.
They introduced themselves.
The room truly was five-star; Ben had made sure of it. Shared sitting room, two bedrooms, each with their own shower and loo.
Marian turned out to be a wealthy, solitary woman, ninety-one years old.
Im tired, love, Marian confessed. I want some fussing over now. I let out my flata lovely place in Kensington. I live here, get care, eat well, join creative classes. Gave the flat to my nephew in my willhe whisks me off to Cornwall every Indian summer. And you, my dear, how have you found yourself here? You seem rather young for this sort of place.
Anne smiled wryly. But the urge to speak out finally won.
Well, not quite by choice. My son and his wife live alone now. Things didnt quite work with us under one roof.
Ive a decent-sized flat of my own too. The moment they felt secure, they bought themselves a place and moved out. Perhaps it was for the bestI never quite got along with Naomi, my daughter-in-law. And, truth be told, at first, the peace was lovelyAnne fell silent for a momentonly, my health gave out.
Ah, I see, Marian nodded as she untangled her rollers, fixing her hair before the mirror. Theres a dance this evening, by the wayare you coming?
No thank you, Id rather rest tonight, Anne replied, slipping off to her room and laying down.
All was as it should be. Her granddaughter, Harriet, was studying in another city. Once she finished, shed have her own home.
Her own fault.
Things never worked out with Naomi, mainly because Anne always tried to instruct her, never let her take charge. Ben was caught between themAnne always wanted him to side with her.
Such foolishness.
When they moved out, peace did return for a while. They even started visiting more oftenBen, Naomi, and Harriet would drop by. But in the end, everything still seemed wrong to Anne.
Her own fault.
She began to feel forgotten. Started to imagine illnesses, feigning frailty. She thoughtmaybe theyll visit more often. But her son must have had another ideaperhaps he feared she and Naomi might clash again, or perhaps work kept him busy.
Anne realised, shed just thought of herself.
Her own fault.
Ben arranged a companion for herthen another. Anne liked none of them. She wanted family around her, but things turned out differently.
Harriet, her much-loved granddaughter, left for her university. She called often.
Gran, Ill be home soon, everythings fine. How are you?
Im alright, love, Anne replied.
Dont be lonely, Gran, Ill be back soon. And she truly adored her grandmother.
Her own fault.
Anne even told Ben that she was confusing her medicines, forgetting things. A lie.
She hoped hed ask her to move in.
Instead, he must have been frightened by her actfigured she was really declining. He and Naomi were both workingwhod look after her? So here she was, in a five-star retirement home.
Anne stood, gazing at herself in the mirror.
An older woman, pushing eightyso what?
Mind sharp, still some strength left.
Her own faultbut maybe, just maybe, this was for the best.
She lay down and drifted off.
Three weeks felt like an eternity.
Ben visited each Friday, bringing treats, although here she already had everything she could need.
It wouldve been wonderful if this really was just a luxury holiday. But the thought that it could be permanent was crushing.
Your mothers health is excellent, the matron told Benjamin on his next visit. Just a bit nervy, but nothing out of the ordinary.
To Annes great surprise, she saw Ben look both shocked and genuinely pleased. Shed expected they were all just waiting for her to slip away.
Suddenly, Harriet burst in:
Gran, Dad said youre staying at a resort? What a strange place! I just finished unicongratulate me! Will you be home soon? Im back. Its too cold without you. I want to stay with youcan I?
Annes heart leaptHarriet was so sincere.
Dads coming tomorrow, so pack up, were going home!
Anne nodded, unable to speak for nearly weeping.
Marian, fixing her hair for the evening, said with a note of envy,
Dear, youd best be off homethis isnt for you. Youre not like the rest of us, youre homey, she said, retreating to her bedroom with unusual graciousness.
Anne packed, hardly believing shed be leaving this gilded cage.
Ben arrived early. He stepped inside, smiled, and simply said,
Mother, then hugged her.
Harriet sat in the car, andquite unexpectedlyso did Naomi. Anne and Naomi exchanged a glance, and suddenly Anne felt warmth flood her heart.
Its my own fault, Anne admitted to herself. I always wanted to take charge, control everyone, wouldnt let anyone else live. But why? Look how theyre all looking at methese are my children.
Thank you, was all Anne could whisper as Ben opened the door and helped her in.
Anne travelled home, filled with joy and hope.
Now, everything will be different. Now, she believes in good things again.
For its never too late to live, to be happy, and to bring happiness to others.
