So, imagine this: Margaret arrived at King’s Cross after travelling all the way from her little village, lugging two absolutely massive bags behind her. She doesnt make it to see her family very often, but this time shed spent her very last bit of money just to bring them some gifts, hoping it would bring a bit of happiness into their lives. Margaret never turned up empty-handed, but she really outdid herself this timeboth bags were nearly ten kilos each. Even though the trip was a real slog, she never hesitated; the only thing that kept her going was the thought that her son would be waiting for her at the station.
But when she finally got there, there wasnt a sign of him anywhere. In the end, all she could do was set down her bags and give him a ring.
He didnt pick up for ages, but finally, after the tenth ring, he answered. And the first thing out of his mouthwell, his voice was all confused and caught off guard.
Oh, Mum, Im so sorry! It totally slipped my mind that you were coming today. Weve decided to spend the week at my wifes parents in the next county and well be gone for a while. Im afraid you came all this way for nothing. Please just go back home. Honestly, it was really spur of the moment and I forgot to tell youwe just packed up and left.
She felt tears welling up but kept quiet, just saying, Alright, softly.
Rather than drag the heavy parcels all the way backher arms already achingshe handed the gifts over to a couple of homeless folks at the station. She didnt say a word to her son about how heartbreakingly disappointed she was. He wouldnt realise how deeply hed hurt his own mother; he never did. After everything shed poured into raising him, the fact he couldnt be bothered to even visit her as she grew older weighed on her.
So, about a month later, his wife gave her a call, asking if Margaret might come over and watch the grandchildren for a weekend while they went to a mates wedding. And you know what? She finally said no. She was tired of only being remembered when someone needed a favour.
