Stories of Kindness from Around the World

An Unforgettable Dinner Date


--by Satish, posted Feb 28, 2007

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 be 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. 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 favour," 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 could not 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 "I LOVE YOU!" in time and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Give your family the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till "some other time."

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Readers Comments

Paul wrote: That was very sweet to say the least. Its a big challenge to those ladies and gentlemen who see their inlaws as just that,"in-laws" to learn to appreciate them. Love is the best gift you can give to any human being. It goes a long way.
Eva wrote: I am speechless. My eyes are full of tears. Sometimes we can't say our parents how special you are for me.
sethi wrote: Thank you so much for this reminder , how much our loved ones mean to us and it is never too late to take action in the matter.
LadyK wrote: Am touched to say the least.
Lorrine wrote: That was truly very sweet. Life is so filled with regrets or "if onlys" that your story was a beacon of goodness and simple caring.
DEVASHISH wrote: the person with whom this incident happened is one of the luckiest amomg all, who had such a sensitive wife ...
LUCKY YOU .........
sleepytomato wrote: This is such an incredibly touching story! The ending really took me by surprise, though. Your mother must have been an amazing woman and thank you for sharing your story. You are right, we must cherish the ones we love always, not just sometimes :)
ladycourage wrote: dear satish.. this was one of the most beautifull and touching story that i heard..your mother gave you the most unforgetfull present before she passed away. please cherish her memories of the gift she gave you.may her soul be happy and peacefull an all the angels guied her in heaven
optimist wrote: EVERYTHING happens for a reason... aren't you glad your wife suggested taking your mother out? How great of her to inspire you to spend time with your mother. And how great of you to give your mother such joy. Both your wife and mother seem to be amazing women... you are a lucky son and husband! Thank you for sharing this story... I wish more people could read this and realize that love is not a part-time commitment.
TYWA wrote: i now realise that now is always the time and it just cant wait. it pays to say 'i love you' to those that matter. my sister died and i never got to say i loved her all of her 36yrs on earth.i regret that

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