UNWANTED MUM
David, sit down! We need to talk urgently! My wife settled at the table, her face showing determination.
I sat next to her. Emily dabbed her wet eyes with a handkerchief.
I dont know what to do about Mum. Shes hardly able to walk now. She simply wont survive this winter on her own in that old cottage. The place is falling apart.
So, what are you suggesting?
Im telling you I dont know.
Emily, as always, you hope Ill sort it, but shes your mother. Its your decision.
David, we cant have her move in here. Our flats only got two bedrooms, and the boys are grown now. Where could we possibly put Mum? I could feel shed already made up her mind where her mother was concerned, and was now trying to break it to me gently. Theres that residential care home in town, the private one.
Emily, you want to send your mum to an old peoples home?
We dont have a choice. People say its nice, she said, almost apologetically.
But as you said, its private, I replied, smiling wryly. How much does it cost?
Sixty pounds a day. If you pay by the month, its twelve hundred. Shed get proper care and medial attention. Its a lot, but I suppose well manage.
Emily, the whole thing feels so cruel. Your mum was always making jam, chutneys bringing treats for the boys. She always did everything from the heart. And were sending her to a care home.
David, dont think this isnt tearing me apart. We havent any other option.
He sighed heavily. “Isn’t there any other way?”
“I thought about selling her place. She signed it over to me, after all. But whos going to buy it now? Winters on the doorstep. And its practically collapsing; how much will it fetch?”
“Have you spoken to your mother?”
“Not yet. Were going over on Saturday to help in her garden. Well talk to her then.”
“Ill clear the garden up with the boys,” I shook my head. “But when it comes to the care home, youll need to handle that conversation.”
“Shell just stay there till spring, David. If she doesn’t like it, well think of something then.”
“No, Emily, Ive a feeling if we send her there, itll be for good. It doesnt feel right.”
***
Its been a week since Margaret has been in the care home. She understands her daughter had no other option. Its a struggle just to walk now, let alone live alone in her own house at nearly eighty.
But this isnt the old age shed dreamed of. She always pictured spending her last years among family, not feeling like a burden because of her health.
A nurse came in. Mrs. Foster, your grandsons are here.
A smile lit up Margarets face as they entered. Even the youngest, Luke, was taller than her now, and Matthew was a whole head above her.
Hello, Gran! How are you?
Im alright, dear. They feed us well here, and the carers are lovely, she fussed as usual. Sit down, sit! Theres a table over there.
We cant stay long, Gran. We brought you some food and some warm clothes.
Thank you! she said, then immediately asked, Hows school?
Fine, they answered almost in unison.
Keep at your studies! Matthew, its your last year. Do you know whats next?
Our local college.
And your mum and dad? Sent you on your own, didnt come themselves?
Dads gone round the house to do some jobs.
Oh, tell him to dig up the carrots it’s getting cold. And the cabbages need cutting, the heads are big enough now.
Ill ring him now, Luke said, taking out his mobile and dialling.
Dad, Gran says to dig up the carrots and cut the cabbage.
Alright, came my voice from the other side.
Give it here, Gran took the phone. David, dig up all the carrots, but let them dry outside for a few days before you put them in the cellar. And cut the cabbages with the stalks place them heads down in the sand compartment in the cellar, carrots in the other bit, but just the big ones. Take any small ones home for yourselves!
Got it, Mum, dont worry!
Oh, and David, look out for my Misty! Poor thing, all alone now, make sure she gets fed.
I will.
She handed the phone back to Luke.
We best get going, Gran, said Matthew, standing up.
Hold on! Gran opened her purse. Heres twenty quid each. Get yourselves something nice.
But Gran
Take it! Ive got no use for money here.
Thanks, Gran!
They left, and Margaret stood by the window for ages, watching her grandsons walk away.
***
After dropping off Margarets veg, I parked my battered old Vauxhall outside our block of flats. My neighbour, Bob from the end stairwell, was getting out of his Ford and looked over at my bags of carrots and cabbages.
Been down the allotment?
Something like that from the mother-in-laws place.
My wife and I are thinking of getting a small cottage or something nearby kids have all moved out.
Hey, Bob, I said thoughtfully, youve got a four-bedroom place, havent you?
Yes, first floor, he replied.
Would you swap it for my two-bed, also on the first floor? I could throw in the cottage and garden. Emilys mum cant manage it anymore.
He scratched his head, intrigued. Now, thats an idea. Well have to have a look.
Chat to your missus and pop round this evening.
Will do.
***
Id had a wash, eaten, and was sprawled out half-asleep. Emily was in the kitchen, prepping dinner for when the lads got in the younger one from football club, the older well, hed fallen in love.
About time too, I thought, seventeen. Just hope he doesnt get into trouble. The youngers always out too
A knock at the door. Emily wiped her hands and hurried to answer. Outside were our neighbours, Bob and his wife Vicky.
Evening, Emily, hope you dont mind us dropping in.
Come in! Vicky, whats up?
Didnt your David tell you?
No, Emily looked puzzled.
The blokes have been talking about swapping flats.
Vicky, you what? Emily was flustered. Well, come in, sit down!
She rushed to the living room and shook me awake. David, get up! Weve got visitors.
I leapt up and dashed to the loo to freshen up.
Whats going on, can someone tell me? asked Emily.
Emily, the gents are thinking our blokes, I mean of swapping your two-bed and your mums cottage for our four-bed, Vicky replied, glancing around. Lovely flat youve got here.
I came back in, and Emily rushed at me.
What are you playing at?
If we can agree, well move to theirs four bedrooms and have your mum live with us.
Emily was thoughtful, a mysterious smile settling across her face.
Well, lets have some tea and then come see your place, she said.
Not tea, I chuckled, think this calls for something a bit stronger!
***
That night neither Emily nor I could sleep for ages; we talked and planned, picturing what would go where in our new, much bigger flat. It was mostly Emily talking until I started to drift off.
Already asleep? she nudged me.
Emily, dont tell your mum yet. Shell just worry herself sick. Once were sorted, then well move her in.
***
That rainy autumn morning, Margaret sat by her care home window, staring at the gloomy sky, her mood to match. Her thoughts turned bleak.
Three weeks here. I suppose theyve forgotten me. An unwanted mum. The grandsons only came once, then nothing. Emily rang twice, first to say shed swapped or sold my old house, sounded so happy. Well, I suppose that means theyll pay my fees twelve hundred a month is a lot. Theres nothing to return to now. Second call she said she was busy, theyd visit eventually youngsters are always busy. Its Saturday, maybe theyll come. Shouldve got myself a phone not that I know how to use one.
She sat brooding for hours. Suddenly, Davids car pulled up at the front gates.
Theyve come! They havent forgotten! she thought, but her spirits dropped a little: Just David, no bags. Has something happened?
Margarets eyes were fixed to the door, and at last, it opened. David stepped in, smiling.
Hello, Mum!
Hello, David. Whats happened?
Pack your things! His face beamed again. Were going home.
Home? To visit?
No, for good. Pack everything!
Oh dont be cryptic, David.
The boys told me not to say. They wanted it to be a surprise for Gran.
Margaret bustled about her room, feeling hope return, when her roommate Valerie returned from her medical rounds.
Where are you off to, Margaret?
Val my son-in-laws taking me! For good, he says!
Oh, lucky you! Mine will probably leave me here forever.
Never say never, Valerie. Its just hard for the young ones.
***
Driving home with David, Margarets mind raced with worries.
Whys he taking me back? It cant be comfortable for them, cramped in that flat. Where will I sleep? Ill just be in the way. Theyll soon send me back.
But David pulled up, as usual, but then led her to another block. Margaret looked at him, bewildered.
Come on, come in!
They climbed to the first floor, where the door swung open and her grandsons came running out.
Gran, come in! This is our new flat now! called Luke.
She went inside. Emily rushed over and hugged her tight.
Mum, youre living with us now. Let me show you your room.
Though small, it was cosy with a wardrobe, a new bed. Margaret could hardly believe it, living once more next to her daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons.
Then, something brushed her leg, followed by a familiar purr.
Misty! Margaret cried out and burst into tears, this time with happiness.
