While theres life, its never too late. A Story
Well then, Mum, just as we agreed, Ill come by tomorrow to pick you up and take you there. Im sure youll really love it, Bernard said as he bustled about, shrugging on his coat and gently closing the front door.
Anne Sinclair sank wearily onto the sofa. After much persuasion, she had finally agreed to go. The neighbours had already started their chorus of admiration.
Your Bernard is such a caring son, always thinking of your comfort. Off on another wonderful break, while we ordinary folk live in our little world, they would say.
But Anne Sinclair still wasnt completely convinced. Ah well, she thought, everything will become clear in the morning.
Bernard arrived early the next day, swiftly carried his mothers suitcases down and helped her into the car before they set off.
How lucky she is, the ladies on the bench gossiped, First hes found her a housekeeper, now hes whisking her away for a retreat. Not like usjust plodding along.
The retirement home was out in the countryside.
Mum, its nearly five stars, Bernard said, giving her a hopeful look.
When they arrived and stepped out onto the grounds, where elderly people sat chatting on benches or reading in the garden, Anne Sinclairs uncertainty began to crystallise. This wasnt just a holiday hotel.
She showed nothing, though; Anne had always known how to maintain her composure.
She caught Bernards gaze, but he looked away quickly, clearly realising that yes, shed figured it out.
Mum, there are doctors here, interesting activities, lovely people to talk to. Just give it a try, maybe just three weeks for now, and if Bernards voice faltered. But she simply replied,
Go on, son. And do call me Mum, not Mummy, please, just like before.
He nodded in relief, kissed her on the cheek and left.
Anne was offered a choiceher own room, or to share. She chose a shared room, not wanting to be alone with her thoughts.
Hello, dear, greeted a rather glamorous lady perched on the sofa, At last, Im not alone! My names Marianne Harding.
So, they introduced themselves.
It was, undeniably, a five star roomBernard had made sure of it. There was a large shared living room and two bedrooms, each with their own shower and loo.
Marianne Harding turned out to be a wealthy, lonely lady of ninety-one.
Im simply tired, my dear. I like being looked after for once. I let out my three-bedroom flat in Chelsea and live here most of the year. The cares good, the doctors are on hand, lovely creative activitiesno chores to do. Ive left my flat to my nephew; when the weathers nice, he takes me down to the south coast. And you, dear? How did you end up here? Youre rather young.
Anne Sinclair gave a wry smile. Temptation to confide took over.
Oh, not entirely of my own choosing. My son and his wife live separately now. We didnt quite get on.
My place is big as well, and as soon as Bernard and his wife were able, they bought their own home and moved out. Maybe that was for the bestI never really clicked with Natalie, my daughter-in-law. At first, it was a relief to be alone, Anne fell silent, But then my health let me down a bit.
Ah, I see, Marianne nodded sagely, undoing her curlers and fixing her hair in the mirror, By the way, theres dancing tonight. Will you join us?
No, thank you, I think Ill just rest tonight, Anne declined, retreating to her room for some peace.
It was all quite logical. Her granddaughter, Alice, was away studying in another city. Shed return after her course was finished and make a home for herself somewhere.
It was her own fault.
Shed always insisted on showing Natalie how things should be done, never letting her run her own home. Bernard was torn between them, but Anne always expected him to side with her over his wife.
How foolish.
And when they finally moved out, at first it was bliss. The relationship seemed to improveBernard, Natalie, and Alice visited often. But still, before long, Anne started to feel dissatisfied again!
It was her own fault.
She began to tell herself shed been forgotten. Fabricated ailments, pretended weakness, hoping they would visit more. Bernard, though, saw things differently. Maybe he worried she and Natalie would fall out again. Maybe work just kept him too busy.
The truth was, Anne Sinclair had always only thought of herself.
Her own fault.
Eventually, Bernard found her a companion, then another. Anne found reason to dislike each one. What she really wanted was her familys attention, and nowwell, there she was.
Alice, the beloved granddaughter, had gone to university in another city. She called often.
Grandma, Ill be home soon. Everythings fine here. How are you?
Im fine, Anne would answer.
Dont be lonely, Grandma, Ill see you soon. And Alice really did love her grandmother.
Her own fault.
Anne had told Bernard that shed started forgetting which medicines to take and was losing track of things. She wasnt being completely honest.
She hoped maybe hed invite her to live with them.
But perhaps Bernard was truly spookedthought she was really failing. Both he and Natalie had full-time jobswho would look after Anne? So, hed brought her here, to this five-star retirement home.
Anne Sinclair stood up and looked at herself in the mirror.
An elderly woman, nearly eighty. So what?
She was still sharp; she still had strength.
Her own fault. Maybe, in fact, this was for the best.
She lay down and drifted off to sleep.
Three weeks felt like an eternity.
Her son would visit every Friday, bringing treats, though here there was plenty of everything.
It would have been perfect, had it truly just been a luxury holiday. But the thought that this arrangement might be permanent gnawed away at her.
You know, weve done all the checks on your mother, they told Bernard one day. Anne Sinclair is in excellent health. A bit nervous, perhaps, but thats normal at her age.
And for the first time, Anne saw Bernard genuinely surprisedand almost pleased. Strangeshed always assumed everyone was just waiting for her to fade away.
Then, suddenly, Alice burst in.
Grandma, Dad said you were on holiday? What a strange place this is! Ive just finished my degreecongratulate me! Are you coming home soon? Im back, and its not the same without you. Could I stay with you?
Annes heart gave a jumpAlice was so sincere.
Dads coming tomorrowpack your bags, were taking you home!
Anne could only nod, seeings as she was close to tears.
Marianne Harding, removing her curlers, was preparing for the evening.
My dear, you need to go home. This isnt for you, she said with thinly veiled envy, tidying her hair. Youre not a guest, youre family. She rose and swept with dignity into her room.
Anne packed her things, hardly believing she was actually leaving this paradise.
Bernard arrived early. He came in, smiled, and simply said:
Mum, then gave her a hug.
Alice was waiting in the car, andmost unexpectedlyso was Natalie. They exchanged glances, and Anne felt a sudden warmth fill her chest.
It was me, she thought. I always tried to run everything, to be in charge, never let anyone just live. But why? Look at themall waiting for me to say something. Theyre my family.
Thank you, Anne Sinclair whispered as Bernard held the door for her and she got into the car.
Anne was going home, her heart overflowing with happiness.
From now on, things would be different. She believed in good things again.
After all, its never too late to simply live, to be happy, and to bring happiness to others.
