This is GOLD!!

[cateyes1]

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, "I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you."

 The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my mother, who had been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my 3 children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

 That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.

 "What's wrong, are you well?" she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

 "I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you," I responded. "Just the two of us."

 She thought about it for a moment, and then said, "I would like that very much."

 That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an Angel's. "I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed," she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting."

 We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. "It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said. "Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," I responded.

 During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation — nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you." I agreed.

 "How was your dinner date?" Asked my wife when I got home.

 "Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.

 A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place where mother and I had dined. An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless I paid for two plates — one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me."

 "I love you, son."

 At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: "I love you," and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till "some other time."

[ghunter]

Nice!!!! My mother would have loved it.

[cateyes1]

Nice!!!! My mother would have loved it.

My Mom would have as well !!

[Shandara09]

Sweet story.  After losing a few loved ones, I understand this sentiment all too well.  I've tried to make sure to spend time with family and friends even more and to just enjoy the everyday small moments.

[plennis]

Every time I see this story, it reminds me how much that we do need to take time to say and show that you love someone.  It is sad that we all get to busy to take the time to do these little things.  Thanks for the reminder.

[bowrunner]

You have a very smart caring wife.  I'm sorry about the loss of your mother.

[Penwoir]

If I knew your wife, I would be giving her a big hug for having the inspiration to put the wheels in motion to make this happen. In the years leading up to my fathers passing, I spent as much time with him as I could. My sister and I took my parents on vacation each year, even until we had kids of our own. We had many glorious holidays with my parents, my sisters family and my own family, there were 3 grandchildren altogether. The last time I saw him, he was wishing me a safe flight back to America with my own children, because that's what parents do... they worry about their children even when their children are also parents! I miss my dad but I'm so grateful I have millions of memories that make me smile every day.

[marciaenglish]

That was so very sweet!  Sorry for your loss; but, I sure am glad you took your mother on that "date"!

[betlynjua]

Aaaawwww, now if that isn't a Hallmark movie, I don't know what is.  What a lovely experience, although sad as well. 

The point is very well made that we truly have to make the most of the time we have with our dear ones. 

[reiddb]

That is so beautiful and sad. I'm so sorry for your loss, but so thankful for that treasured moment you had just before. Thank you for sharing.