Love

I was reading through my emails and I thought I should share the story below with every one through my blog. It is very possible that this story has been over circulated, but I would like to read your views on this.

After 21 years of marriage, John's wife (Mary) wanted him to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. Mary 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 Mary wanted John to visit was his MOTHER! John's mother had been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of his work and his three children had made it possible for him to visit her only occasionally.

That night John called to invite his Mother to go out for dinner and a movie. "What's wrong, are you well," his Mother asked? John's mother, (like most mothers) 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," John 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 John drove over to pick her up he was a bit nervous. When he arrived at her house, he noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about their 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". John took his mother to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. His mother took his arm as if she were the First Lady.

After they sat down, John had to read the menu. His mother could only read large print. Half way through the entries, John lifted his eyes and saw his Mom sitting there staring at him. 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," John responded. During the dinner, they had an agreeable conversation - nothing extraordinary, but catching up on recent events of each other's life. They talked so much that they missed the movie. As they arrived at his mother's house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you." He agreed.

"How was your dinner date?" asked John's wife when he got home."Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," he answered.

A few days later, John's mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that he didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, he received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place he and his mother 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, John 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."