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 has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three 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 a 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 entrees, I lifted my eyes and saw Mother 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 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.'

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby.... somebody doesn't know that once you're a Mother,'normal' is history.

Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first....somebody doesn't have two or more children.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a Mother is labor and delivery ....somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten ....or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp.'

Somebody said a Mother can stop worrying after her child gets married ....somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a Mother's heartstrings.

Somebody said a Mother's job is done when her last child leaves home ....somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your Mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her ....somebody isn't a Mother.

Pass this along to all the 'Mothers ' in your life and to everyone who ever had a mother.

This isn't just about being a Mother; it's about appreciating the people in your lives while you have them....no matter who that person is.

THATS WHY IT IS SAID" WOMANHOOD IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT BEING MOM"

This is one all should take the time to read very heart felt. Being a mother myself and have had that special dinner date with my son makes one appreciate the time with them that much more. Thank you for sharing this.

very nice thanks for sharing

We never know what tomarrow holds...
Show the love and care today!

Thankyou for the heart felt share!

that was wonderful...please pass the tissue

I agree this post should come with keenex.

WOW that was touching. I am calling my mom right now.

Life is fragile, that was good food for thought.

It brought a tear to my eye.

very touching even for me

Oh my gosh........welled up. Brought tears to my eyes.
What a lucky man to have experienced that. What a moment to cherish and have for all time.
The pride the mom must have felt for the date of a lifetime.

Hold tight this lesson, this love.

I am a lucky mom myself. My youngest son comes down when he can and always takes me out to dinner and sometimes a movie. We go to museums and learning ventures.

Sometimes all my boys come down and we meet in Bricktown (much like the river walk in Texas)and eat and ride the canal and enjoy our time.

My oldest likes to take me out on my birthday. He always calls me and sings me happy birthday on the phone. Plus text messages me the same. At times sends me a Limosene and takes me to a show. Not the movies. Makes me get all dressed up. Can't have his friends see me not put together. Being gay and all. Must be fashionable.

This just made me remember how lucky I am.

Thank you so much for this post.

Kat

That brought tears to my eyes.