HOW COULD SHE COME TO MY HOUSE AND SCARE MY CHILDREN? I YELLED AT HER, “GET OUT!”
My mother had only one eye. I hated her. Her condition made me feel ashamed. To put food on the table for our family, she worked as a dinner lady at my school. One day, when I was in primary school, my mother came to visit me. My heart sank. How could she do this? I was so embarrassed. I pretended not to see her, glared at her with hatred, and ran away. The next day, a classmate said to me, “Blimey, your mums only got one eye!” I wished the ground would swallow me whole. I wanted her to disappear. So that evening, when I saw her, I snapped, “Why dont you just die so you dont embarrass me anymore?”
She didnt say a word. I wasnt even thinking straightanger had taken over. I didnt care about her feelings. I didnt want her at home. I worked hard, left for university in London, and built my own life. I got married, bought a house, and had children. Everything was perfect. Then one day, my mother turned up at my door. Years had passedshe hadnt seen me or met her grandchildren. When she stepped inside, my kids laughed at her. How could she come into my home and frighten my children? I shouted, “GET OUT!”
Quietly, she replied, “Im sorry. I must have the wrong address,” and she left without another word.
Years later, I received an invitation to a school reunion. I told my wife I was going on a business trip. After the event, out of curiosity, I visited my old neighbourhood. The neighbours told me my mother had passed away. I felt nothing. They handed me a letter shed left behind.
“My dearest son, Ive always thought of you. Im so sorry for coming to London and scaring your children. When I heard you were coming for the reunion, I was overjoyedbut I wasnt sure Id even be well enough to see you. Im sorry you were ashamed of me growing up. You see, my darling, when you were little, you had an accident and lost your eye. As your mother, I couldnt bear the thought of you growing up with just one. So I gave you mine. Now, when I think of you seeing the world through it, my heart swells with pride. With all my love, Mum.”
