UNWANTED MUM
James, sit down! We really need to talk, said his wife as she took a seat at the table, her face set with determination.
He sat beside her. Emily dabbed at her damp eyes with a tissue.
I honestly dont know what to do about Mum. Shes barely able to get around anymore. Shell never survive another winter on her own in that cottagethe place is about to fall down as it is.
So, what are you suggesting?
Im telling you, I dont know.
Emily, you always hope Ill sort these things, but shes your mumyou need to decide.
James, we cant bring her here. Weve got a two-bedroom flat and two boys, both nearly grown up. Where are we supposed to put her? Her voice wavered, as though shed already made her decision and was struggling to explain it. Theres a private care home in town.
Emily, are you saying you want to send your mum to a care home?
We havent got a choice. They say its quite nice.
But, as you said, its private. James raised an eyebrow skeptically. How much?
Eighty pounds a day. If you pay for a full month in advance, its around two thousand four hundred. Theyll look after her properlymeals, medical care. Its a lot of money, I know, but well manage somehow.
Emily, this feels wrong. Your mums always brought us thingshomemade jam, pickles, treats for the boys. She did everything out of love. And now were sending her away.
James, do you think this isnt breaking my heart? We have no other option.
He sighed deeply. Is there really nothing else?
I thought of selling her cottage. She did sign it over to me, but whos going to buy it this time of year? The place is a wreck, anyway.
Have you talked to your mum?
Not yet. Were going up on Saturday to clear the garden, and Ill speak to her then.
Ill clear the garden with the boys, her husband said, shaking his head, but youll have to talk to your mum about the care home without me.
Just until spring, James. If shes unhappy, well figure out something else.
No, Emily, it wont be just until spring. If she goes there, she wont leave. It just feels heartless.
***
Its been a week since Lydia has been in the care home. She understands her daughter didnt have another choice. Its trueeven getting around is difficult now, never mind living alone, not at her age.
Still, this isnt the old age shed hoped for. She always dreamt of spending her last years surrounded by family, but who needs an ill old mum now?
A nurse comes in. Mrs. Parker, your grandsons are here to see you.
Lydias face lights up as the boys enter. Even the younger one, Oliver, is taller than she is now, and Matthew towers over her.
Hello, Gran! How are you?
Fine, they feed us nicely here. The nurses look after us. She fussed as usual. Come on, take a seat at the table.
We cant stay long. Weve brought you some food and warm clothes.
Thank you! she said, then asked directly, Hows school?
All right, they replied almost in unison.
Keep at it! Matthew, its your final year, isnt it? Have you decided what you want to do next?
Im thinking of applying to our local university.
And where are your parents? Sent you lot, did they?
Dads gone to your place.
Oh, he must remember to pull up the carrots with the weather turning so cold. Lydia worried aloud. And the cabbageshe should cut the cabbages; the heads are huge now.
Ill give him a ring now! said Oliver, pulling out his phone.
Dad, Gran says to dig up the carrots and pick the cabbages.
All right, came their fathers voice from the phone.
Let me! Lydia took the phone, giving James a list of instructions: James, dig up the carrots, but dont put them straight in the cellarlet them dry out for three days, then put them away. Cut the cabbages with the stalks on, put them head-down into the sand in the cellar. Put the big carrots in one section and the smaller ones aside for yourselves!
Got it, Mum. Try not to worry.
James, dont forget to check on my Molly and make sure you feed her! Shes all alone now.
Ill sort it.
She handed the phone back to her grandson.
Gran, we need to go, all right? The older boy stood up.
Wait! Lydia rummaged in her purse. Here, take a tenner eachget yourselves something nice.
What about you
Take it, boys! I have no need for money in here.
Thanks, Gran!
They left, and Lydia lingered at the window, watching after them for a long time.
***
James parked his Vauxhall outside his flat, right by the window. Next to his car, his neighbour parked his Ford. Seeing James bags full of carrots and cabbages, he asked, Been to your allotment, then?
Something like thatmy mother-in-laws place.
My wife and I have been thinking about buying a little cottage or a house nearby now our kids have flown the nest.
Listen, Tony, James said thoughtfully, Youve got a four-bedroom place, havent you?
Yeah, second floor.
How about swapping for our two-bedroom flat, also on the second floor? Ill throw in the cottage and garden as well. My wifes mother cant keep it up anymore.
Really? Tony scratched his head. Thats interesting. Id have to take a look.
Talk it over with your wife and pop round this evening for a cuppa.
I will.
***
James freshened up, ate and stretched out for a nap. Emily was in the kitchen, getting dinner readysoon the boys would be home, the younger from his club, the older well, he was in love.
Its about time, hes seventeen, thought Emily. Just hope they dont do anything silly. Can barely get the younger one indoors, eitherhes always out and about these days.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Hands wiped on her apron, Emily answered.
Emily, weve come to visit, said the neighbours from down the stairway.
Come in! Vicky, is everything all right?
Didnt your James say anything?
No, said Emily, surprised.
The men have got it into their heads to swap flats.
Vicky, what are you talking about? Emily was flustered. Come through, take a seat!
She dashed into the sitting room, nudged her napping husband.
James, wake up! Weve got guests.
He sprang up and hurried to the bathroom. Meanwhile, the neighbour was glancing all around their flat.
Will someone explain whats going on?
Emily, the men want to swap your flat and your mums cottage for our four-bedroom one here, Vicky said, looking around again. Youve got a lovely home.
James reappeared, and Emily went straight to him.
Whats this all about?
If we all agree, well move to their four-bed in exchange for ours and your mums cottageand we can have your mum live with us.
Emily paused; a quiet smile played about her lips.
Well, then. Lets get some tea and then have a look at your place.
Tea? Come off it, Emily, her husband grinned. For this, we should have something stronger on the table.
***
James and Emily hardly slept that night, tossing ideas back and forth in whispers, picturing their family spread out in the larger flat. Emily did most of the talking until James began to doze.
Youve nodded off already? She poked him.
Emily, dont say anything to your mum yet. Dont get her hopes upwell bring her over once everythings sorted.
***
On this rainy autumn morning, Lydia gazes wistfully out the window of her room at the care home. Her mood is as gloomy as the weather, her thoughts matching.
Three weeks Ive been here. Looks like my kids have forgotten all about me. Im just an unwanted mum. The grandkids came once, and thats it. My daughters rung twice.
The first time, she said something about my house being sold or swapped, sounding overjoyed. Well, at least theyll pay for me hereI know two grand a month isnt peanuts. But Ive nothing to go back to now.
The second time, she said they were busy, but would come soon. Of course, the young ones are always busy. Todays Saturdaymaybe theyll come. Why didnt I ever get a mobile? Not that I could work one, anyway.
She sat there for hours, lost in bittersweet thoughts. Then, suddenly, she spotted James pulling up outside the gates.
Theyve comethey havent forgotten! Oh, but why is James alone? And hes got no bags. Has something happened?
Lydia stared at the door. At last, it opened. Her son-in-law came in and smiled.
Hello, Mum!
James, is something wrong?
Pack your things! His smile was bigger than ever. Youre coming home.
Coming home? Just for a visit?
No, permanently. Pack everything!
What are you on about?
Your grandsons said not to spoil the surprisebut youre in for one!
Lydia bustled around, heart beating fasterit was a turning point in her life. At that moment, her roommate, now her friend, Val, came back in from her procedures.
Lydia, where are you off to?
My son-in-laws taking me home! Can you believe it? He said its for good!
Oh, youre lucky! I reckon mine have left me here for life.
Val, your family will come for you too. Our kids struggle with us oldies. It isnt easy.
***
Lydia stared out at the drizzle as James drove her but something didnt add up.
Why has he brought me here? Theres barely space in their flat. Where will I fit in? Ill just be in their way, keeping everyone up at night. Surely theyll end up sending me back.
They parked, but instead of heading to the old flat entrance, James led her to another door. Lydia glanced at him, confused.
Come on, in you go!
Up to the second floor, along the landing, to a new door. It swung open. The grandsons burst out.
Gran, come in! This is our new place now! Oliver shouted.
She stepped in. Emily swept her into a hug.
Mum, youre living with us now. Let me show you your room!
It was small but lovelycosy, with a wardrobe and a new bed. Lydia could hardly believe she would finally live right next to her family again.
Suddenly, something soft brushed her leg and began to purr.
Molly! Lydia Parker laughed through her tears, overjoyed.
