DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
Margaret Davies placed a large platter with roast duck on the nicely set dining table and let out a sigh. Any minute now, her sons would arrive with their wives.
Her youngest had recently tied the knot. It had been a rather modest affair, but that seems to be the way young people do things these days. She would have preferred a grand celebration herself. She and Arthur, her late husband, had simply popped down to the registry office, barely managing to afford wedding bands a year later, just two thin gold rings. She had wanted to give her children a real party, but in the end, it was their decision.
Theres just one thingshes a bit too well-groomed, I must say, Margaret had confessed. But her daughter-in-law had already decided to have a word with her.
Lucy, her daughter-in-law, was in truth a lovely girlfriendly, pleasant, and a good influence on her son, George. Lucy had helped him find a fantastic job and continued to encourage him to move up the career ladder. Until he was nearly thirty, hed lived without much direction, never really striving for more. Margaret had started to worry, but thankfully, things had improved.
Lucy’s only flaw, in Margaret’s mind, was just how put-together she always looked. She frequented salonshaircuts, colouring, massages, manicures. She seemed to spend a fortune. It wasnt fitting, Margaret thought, for a married woman whose family should come first. What if children came along? Would she go for a pedicure instead of buying her son a new pair of shoes? That sort of woman, Margaret couldn’t quite approve of in her heart. Shed always put herself last, especially after Arthur passed away and her now-grown sons still needed some support.
Her musings were broken by the doorbellthe younger generation had arrived. Lucy entered the living room like a star. Her hair was freshly styled, nails neat as anything, and though her make-up was minimal, it was skillfully doneno doubt by a professional.
Lucy, you look wonderful! Margaret exclaimed, genuinely, though she couldnt quite hide a hint of disapproval. Your suitperhaps its new?
Yes, I picked it up yesterday, Lucy replied with a smile. Received a nice bonus at work.
Well, you know, its wise to save. All those bonuses and extra earningsyoull want something tucked away for a rainy day. Believe me, it comes in handy! Margaret couldnt help but share her experience.
Lucy said nothing. She liked her mother-in-lawa straightforward woman who had devoted herself entirely to her family. Yet Lucy felt that misfortune often comes precisely where people anxiously expect it.
The evening was pleasant, though Margaret still attempted a delicate conversation about unnecessary spending. Lucy could sense the pointed remarks.
And when was the last time you went for a manicure, Margaret? Lucy asked, unable to hold her tongue.
I…well… Georges mother faltered. Never, really. I do a bit at home, keep my hands tidy. Mores not needed.
No one took much notice of their brief exchange, but Lucy, as a woman, felt a pang of pity for her mother-in-law. Imagine raising two sons, both now financially comfortable, yet hesitating to spend a penny on herself!
George, does your mum ever do anything just for herself? Lucy asked him on the drive home.
I dont know. She cooksjust look at the spread tonight. Watches TV, meets her friends…why? he replied.
It just seems shes never had any real treats! You should take her outfilm, theatre, a nice meal…
Oh, she wouldnt want that. Dont be daft.
Lucy fell silent, thinking of her own mother who, despite money always being a bit tight, treated herself to a new dress or a good haircut. She always made sure to buy a theatre subscriptionjust for enjoyment.
Lucy decided that Margaret deserved a bit of self-indulgence, not just evenings in front of the telly, waiting for grandchildren to dote on.
After a few days, Lucy called Margaret and persuaded her to go out for a coffee. She suggested popping into her favourite beauty salonLucy had booked herself in with the cosmetician and thought Margaret might also enjoy a treatment of her choice.
Oh, dont be silly, Margaret protested. You go aheadIll wait for you in the lobby or outside.
Why wait? You could do with a bit of pampering too, just a manicure and a hand massage. Itll take no time.
Margaret agreed, a little reluctantly. Lucy phoned ahead to the salon, where she was well-known, explaining,
Girls, pleasegive my mother-in-law the five-star treatment, and discreetly suggest something extraa pedicure, a mask, anything she might enjoy. If she asks about payment, tell her its all sorted. My treat. Who knows, you might just win another regular!
At the appointed time, Lucy brought her resistant mother-in-law to the salon and handed her over to the staff.
Its only half an hour, yes, Lucy? Margaret kept asking. And how much do I owe?
As one of the friendly girls led Margaret away, Lucy settled in the waiting area with her phone. Shed booked nothing for herself that daynot even on a weekend.
Margaret emerged two hours laterrelaxed and revived. The salon staff had worked their magic.
Oh Lucy, they did so much! They kept offering coffees and herbal teas. Such lovely girls! It must cost a fortune though…
Weve got a special offer today! the receptionist said, jumping in smoothly. Bring a friend, and she gets all her treatments for free. So, nothing to pay!
Lucy and her pleased mother-in-law went for coffee at a place nearby. Margaret took a sip of cappuccino and leaned back in her chair.
Shall we do these girls days together more often? Lucy suggested. Regulars always get good discounts. Didnt you enjoy it?
I did, Margaret admitted, a bit shy. I had no idea it would be so lovely.
You shouldve tried it years ago!
Back then… well, the boys were small. Arthur, bless him, was always careful with moneyextra spending wasnt encouraged. After he passed, I just didnt see the point.
But now there is! You can keep me companyI hate going alone.
Well, I suppose I could join you from time to time.
That set the toneMargaret began joining her daughter-in-law in a bit of self-care. Thoughtful Lucy even quietly helped renew Margarets wardrobe, often understating how much things had cost.
She convinced George to take his mum out for a meal. Later, they all went to the cinema together. And at Christmas, Lucy gave Margaret a subscription to the local theatre.
You look years younger! Margarets friends told her.
Oh, you know, its the young ones keeping me on my toes, shed reply, smiling modestly.
Margaret truly felt that nowretired, mother to two grown sonsher golden years had just begun.
From all this, I learned something myself: Its never too late to start treating yourself, especially after years of caring for others. Life is too short not to enjoy little pleasures, even if you have to be coaxed into them at first.
