Dr. Avnish Jolly, 7th December, 2008 :After many 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 more and would love to spend some time with you.
The other woman that my wife w anted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow from my childhood, 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 t hat 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 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 did 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 God and your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till "some other time."
Pass this along to everyone with an aging parent, to a child, to an adult, to anyone with a parent. Here’s hoping today is better than yesterday and tomorrow.
Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a Mother.
No gift to my mother can ever equal her gift to me….Life
If the nature had arranged that husbands & wives should have children alternately, there would never be more than three in a family.
Feelings of worth can be recognised only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible… the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family.
A date to say I Love You is an inspirational article by my Bro. Avnish Jolly which attempts to imbibe values, combat social evils and create a humane society that aims to keep the relationship flourishing & growing…to bring a social change in the third millennium. Love & Prayers to all for a happy & peaceful living.
After reading this story my eyes were full of tears as after my marriage I could never look after my mom,When my mother\ was on death bed,. I was away with my husband .And when I returned, my mom was already in coma,but still she was murmring Indu Indu. I cried bitterly. One can never get the love of mother . This story has really moved me and am going to forward to my children and friends.
I am grtaeful that you have included me in your post.You always send incredible articles
With regards, Indu Luthra
I found your site in google when I was looking up blogs. I realy like what you have done and just wanted to leave a comment saying so. Cheers
This is a story shared with me during my visit to Japan by a person who was very busy in his professional life during his young days and feels emotions do not have any value in corporate sector during those days.
I found this worth sharing
Regards
Well, thats amongst the most touching stories i’ve ever come across. I felt like as if i’m in amid of Love Sea, but i know how to swim, rather when i want to drown into it.
My kind regards to the source of this story. Keep up this good work, which can bring HEARTS TOGETHER.
Kind Regards,
Amandeep Singh Gill.
A date to say I Love You is great…….nicely elaborated…great……………………………………………..
Respected Jolly Ji
“I love You” is a Real Story of the World .Iam wish you love to world and world love to Avinsah Jolly.I think I love You” write a wonderful article. keep it up .
Touching indeed. A timely message of appreciation ,helps remove any last regrets.Mothers are the only persons in the world who love their children,even when they neglect her.
A date to say I Love You is wonderful write up .
Pankaj
Dubai