After twentyone years of marriage, one evening my wife, Claire, said, You should ask another woman out for dinner and a film. I was taken aback. She smiled and added quietly, I love you, but I know theres someone else who loves you too and has been waiting for a bit of your time. It was my mother, Margaret.
Margaret had lived alone for nineteen years since my father died. Work and caring for our three children drained me so much that I hardly saw her. That night I rang her and said, Mum, lets go out tomorrow for dinner and the cinema. Just the two of us.
Whats wrong, love? Everything alright? she asked, a hint of worry in her voice. Mum always thought an unexpected call meant bad news.
Alls fine, Mum. I just want to spend an evening with you. She fell silent for a moment, then replied gently, Id be delighted.
On Friday after work I drove to pick her up. She was already waitingdressed up, smiling, in the same dress shed worn on our wedding anniversary. I told the ladies I have a date with my son, she laughed. Theyre all keen to hear how it goes.
We slipped into a tiny, cosy bistro in Notting Hill. She took my arm, as tenderly as she once did when I was a child. When the menu arrived I read it aloud because the print was tiny for her. I used to read the menu to you, she said with a grin. Now its my turn, Mum, I replied.
We talked for agesabout life, memories, everything that had piled up over the years. We missed the film, but we didnt mind. When I drove her home she said, Id love to do this again, but next time Ill be the one to invite. I smiled and agreed.
A few days later Margaret suddenly died of a heart attack. I never got 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 settle the dinner for twofor you and your wife. Youll never know how much that night meant to me. Love you, son.
In that moment I realised never postpone the words I love you. Give the people you cherish the time they deserve. Because family isnt something for later. Family is now.
