**Diary Entry**
How could she show up at my doorstep and frighten my children like that? I shouted at her to “GET OUT!”
My mother had only one eye. I resented her for ither condition filled me with shame. To put food on the table, she worked as a cook in a school cafeteria. One day, when I was in primary school, she came to visit me. My stomach dropped. How could she do this to me? I was so embarrassed. I pretended not to see her, shot her a bitter glare, and ran. The next day, one of my classmates sneered, “Oi, your mums only got one eye, eh?” I wished the ground would swallow me whole. I wanted her gone. That evening, I confronted her: “Why dont you just die and spare me the humiliation?”
She didnt answer. I hadnt even thought before speakinganger had taken over. I didnt care how she felt. I didnt want her near me. I worked hard, left for university in London, built a life. Got married. Bought a house. Had children. I was content. Then, one day, she turned up. Years had passedshed never met my children. When she reached the door, my kids laughed at her. How dare she come here and scare them? I yelled at her again: “GET OUT!”
Quietly, she whispered, “Forgive me. I must have the wrong address,” and disappeared.
Later, an invitation arriveda school reunion. I told my wife it was a business trip. After the event, out of curiosity, I visited my old home. The neighbours told me my mother had passed. I felt nothing. They handed me a letter shed left behind:
*”My dearest son, Ive always thought of you. Im sorry for coming to London and frightening your children. When I heard you were coming for the reunion, I was overjoyedbut I wasnt sure Id even make it out of bed to see you. I regret that my presence shamed you while you grew up. But, my love, when you were little, you had an accident and lost an eye. As your mother, I couldnt bear you growing up like me. So I gave you mine. And now, I take comfort knowing you see the world through it. With all my love, Mum.”*
