Something Nice To Hear

[Julia A Knaake]

I don't know if this is a real story but it would be nice to think so

I know this other woman loves you

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 entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom 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 favor,” 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.

“How was your dinner date?” asked my wife when I got home. “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.”

[Leftygrl]

Thank you so much for sharing this incredible story.  It certainly is a BIG reminder to stay close and in touch with those that we hold near and dear!

[Sherrie Little]

Beautiful story, Julia.  Thank you.

[Serenity]

It doesn't matter if it is or isn't an urban legend.  It is a parable.  

I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to paraphrase a part of my blog about loss.  

..."I do ask all of you who love or have loved someone, even if they are unloving towards you, even if you are angry, to remember that life is very, very short. I’ve lost so many people in my life – my beloved mother who died before my daughter was born, my Dad to extreme old age. My brother and sister are a decade older than I am and we didn't really grow up together. With Dan's loss I now have a clean sweep – there is no one I can look to in order to share early memories. I can’t even have a fight with them.

It is like going through a war and realizing you are the last person standing – your squad is all gone. All the people you faced the world with are gone – like a puff of smoke. You find yourself on your knees on the blood soaked ground trying to pick up pieces of people.  None of the pieces fit.  Even at a young age you may find you have "lived too long,"

So look at your wife or husband or lover and realize what a great gift you have.  Or your mother, father, or other family member, for that matter. Even if they are being a jerk right now.  Because when they’re gone they are gone forever. Extinction: Forever – and there will never be any more."

[Eaglewoman]

Great story. MY wonderful daughter-in-law always makes sure my son and I have some time to be together with out her.I appericate her so much for the time she allows us.My toner daughter-in-law is very jealous and i never get 5 minutes alone with that son.

[Julia A Knaake]

thank you all for the great responses

My Ma taught me to always find good in everyone I met

i once saw Ma turn an irate woman into a friend within less than an our

she invited this woman into our home and sat her at our table

and when the woman left she had smiles and bits and pieces of food 

Ma had given her to take back to her family

I do not know why the woman was angry

as I went to the parlor and sat still

in case Ma needed me...but she did not