Give time to our family   119 comments

Posted at 10:50 pm in Moral stories

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 spend some time 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. Her eyes could only read 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 didn’t have a chance 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 your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till “some other time.”


If you find this story useful, please share with a friend!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • del.icio.us
  • Technorati

Additional Reading...

 

Story Posted by Stephen on October 14th, 2008

«
»

119 Responses to: Give time to our family

  1. Mohammad_aljbory -- 2 Dec 08 at 8:02 am

     

    thank you…thank you…thank you my dear from now on i’m fan of you…to tell the truth the tears was falling from my eyes before finishing this blog…i realized i did many mistakes with my family especially with my mom…God bless you and keep going…congratulation

  2. Stephen -- 2 Dec 08 at 3:08 pm

     

    Hi Mohammad :)

    I am very glad you find this blog useful. Take care!

  3. shalom -- 23 Jul 09 at 10:22 pm

     

    oh, it’s a nice story… i like it!

    it’s very inspiring…

    ^.^

  4. sandip joshi -- 13 Sep 09 at 6:55 am

     

    I could not hold back my tears. It is inspiring story.

  5. Rosa -- 24 Oct 09 at 1:57 am

     

    I wept :)
    I miss home and my mom. I’m going through a major exam in a foreign country, and I’ll do my best to go home soon.
    And I’ll dine with my mother everyday :)
    Thank you so much.

  6. Leena -- 30 Oct 09 at 7:47 am

     

    Thanks to your wife who advised you to go with your mother. All the wives must be like yours and all sons must be the same too. Thia what LIFE & LOVE. Both we can experience only when we live. Your advice to spend time with the family is Superb. Hats off to u and tears rolling up

  7. Leena -- 30 Oct 09 at 8:20 am

     

    HEART MELTING STORY. I LOVE MY MOM. I PLAN TO SPEND TIME WITH MY MOM

  8. iamallen -- 5 Nov 09 at 11:11 am

     

    I can’t help my tears from falling…such a nice and inspiring story…God bless… ;-)

  9. jules -- 20 Dec 09 at 4:45 am

     

    very nice story, hopefully i can do the same..hopefully my mom will forgive me on what i did to her.I LOVE YOU MOM.

  10. dawood pasha -- 22 Dec 09 at 5:25 am

     

    really a touching story, definately i am planning to take my mother for dinner

  11. Jeff -- 29 Dec 09 at 1:41 am

     

    Very touching. I love you Mum.

  12. Arifa -- 5 Jan 10 at 8:21 am

     

    Really touched d heart n feeling so good after reading dis story, evey 1 in dis world will not b like those characters as mentioned in d story but shld try 2 make happy all n most importantly shld spend more time with family n BOYS SHLD NOT FORGET THIER MOMS AFTER D MARRIAGE

  13. Raja -- 15 Jan 10 at 9:11 pm

     

    It is a really touching story, I am really impressed with that wife.

  14. azmanctm -- 17 Jan 10 at 9:27 pm

     

    This is the second time that I am reading this story. Still brings tears into my eyes.
    Keep up the good work – this is story telling at its best.

  15. bala -- 3 Feb 10 at 4:15 am

     

    i am reading this for the first time. it is so touching and brings tears in to my eyes.

  16. Purva -- 6 Feb 10 at 10:51 am

     

    Very emotional story.Sometimes, we dont give importance to someone who is really very special, and when we realize it sometimes it is too late.

  17. TySawn -- 11 Mar 10 at 10:51 pm

     

    As they say, “You never know what one’s love is like until its gone”. Thank you for the heartfelt story. I appreciate it 100%. P.S. Thank you Omma for being there when I needed you. XOXO you

  18. SHONAL -- 12 Apr 10 at 9:54 am

     

    I love this story a lot… Really heart melting story. Me too believe that family is more important than other selfish and egoistic desires… Thank, really useful blog.

  19. yousuf -- 15 Apr 10 at 3:44 am

     

    no words to say ………………..really heart touching story,i cn’t stop thinking….

  20. MYOVELA JULIUS -- 22 Apr 10 at 9:12 am

     

    ooh my lord…!now my tears is on the ground…..real it is heartfelt story………………..lv u my mum

  21. Rina -- 21 May 10 at 5:04 am

     

    a very heart touching story………too emotional……..love u my darling mom

  22. Kiran -- 23 May 10 at 6:40 am

     

    Really very nice and emotional story. I love my mom a lot.

  23. Sanju -- 12 Jun 10 at 12:54 pm

     

    Very Superb Story Sir.. :)
    Touched My heart Completly.. Even My Eyes Are Wet Now.. :)

  24. Gopi -- 17 Jul 10 at 1:33 am

     

    Lovely story.I inspired a lot

  25. Kentucky Reignman -- 27 Jul 10 at 2:12 pm

     

    man that was awesome, happy and sad at the same time…whew

  26. harprit -- 30 Jul 10 at 3:27 am

     

    it was most touchng story it bought tears in my eyes……

  27. harprit -- 30 Jul 10 at 3:28 am

     

    heart touching story…….

  28. Dipti -- 25 Aug 10 at 3:58 am

     

    touching story indeed…
    but is very real in today’s context, we have become so busy in our hassled lives that we dnt even get enough or no time for our near and dear ones..

    the need of the hour says that we must act or else we’ll be victims of the same some day…

  29. annie -- 13 Sep 10 at 3:18 am

     

    its a beautiful story. i was surprised when i read the ending of the story

  30. bhav -- 15 Sep 10 at 3:34 pm

     

    Too good one. Keep writing n make it publish..

  31. Pradeep -- 23 Sep 10 at 9:55 am

     

    this story really touched my heart….
    the 2nd last para, made my eyes float in salt water…
    realy it is very good.. thanks for makin me read this…

  32. mans -- 28 Sep 10 at 8:53 pm

     

    Very touchy…. I was almost in tears as I read the last two paras… thanks for publishing it…

  33. tasneem -- 11 Oct 10 at 10:42 pm

     

    no words to discribe my feelings

  34. Dr Avan -- 12 Oct 10 at 12:58 pm

     

    I loved your story , my eyes leaked & I went immediately to my parents & told them how much I loved them ….. thank u for sharing….

  35. Hubba_Bubba_LOVER -- 19 Oct 10 at 10:06 am

     

    It was truly inspiring and i wish to make more effort with my family. GRREAT!!!!!!!!!:)
    GO HUBBA BUBBA!

  36. Senti Aier -- 25 Oct 10 at 10:01 pm

     

    I am to speak to a group of very busy fathers tonight. First I thought this story is relevant ‘for’ them but only to realize that it is more relevant ‘for’ me. Thanks and God bless you.

  37. Muzaffar sheriff -- 2 Nov 10 at 9:06 am

     

    well i was in office and got in to this link i opened and kept it to read twice i went through the first ten lines in between some call and work so i skipped the page twice i did and finally i tried to read whole content. well hats of to the woman who understands the husband feel and gave this word which iam so much impressed “I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.” well money is not all in life. there are few thing where money cant take that special place. good story.

  38. Glen from Oman -- 13 Nov 10 at 12:46 pm

     

    Very touching, I lost my mom when I was just 9 years, but I will surely give the value of Love to my children so that they will love me and my wife when we are old

  39. sudhakark -- 24 Nov 10 at 12:32 am

     

    Heart touching story;Y’day MY BRO GONE THROUGH THE BLOG & TOLD ME .HATS OFF TO THE SON,MOTHER & WIFE.NO WONDER I TOO COULD’NT CONTROL MY TEARS.

  40. israel chima -- 25 Nov 10 at 9:45 am

     

    I have the plan of giving my wife all the time i have but never thought of starting with my mum.

    Thanks for the timely reminder

  41. lendl -- 23 Feb 11 at 2:34 am

     

    I read this to my student and she was crying. We were both in tears actually. It was so inspiring… I hope I can say that to my father soon… especially that we are not in good condition…:(

  42. Raj -- 6 Mar 11 at 6:39 am

     

    My tears flooded… also all the friends were in tears with whom I shared this story…

  43. Syed Zeeshan Ali -- 14 Mar 11 at 10:50 am

     

    Heart touching nice story

  44. Seshu -- 16 Mar 11 at 4:30 am

     

    No words to describe what a wonderful story and this site is really amazing……. thanks for the wonderful theme u r passing on

  45. Mona -- 17 Apr 11 at 2:14 pm

     

    I read this before and made me cry. However, my husband has left to spend the Easter with his mom and I was infavour of the idea for him to go and see her.
    I think you have a wonderful wife, may God bless u and ur family.

  46. khader -- 20 Apr 11 at 10:04 am

     

    I am reading this story for the first time. I am 25yrs old but not married & still I am feeling like just to run away from my work and take my mom for a dinner. Really heart touching story. I hope all should take a lesson from this story & give the respect to their moms as the way they deserve. Thanks for publishing such a nice story.

  47. Anna -- 26 Apr 11 at 11:56 pm

     

    This is a very nice story. I have read and became emotional. I would like to request every son to read this and learn something from it.

    Thanks to u

  48. Vinam -- 28 Apr 11 at 12:01 pm

     

    Amazing,,,I couldn’t control my tears,,, …

  49. Dianah -- 6 May 11 at 1:56 pm

     

    That is a woman of a noble character! That man found A WIFE,
    Very inspiring story

  50. Gaurav_Luthra -- 7 May 11 at 8:45 am

     

    I was in dire need of such a story. I am far away from my family and doing job for money. Now i will find job near my home and will stay there forever.
    Thanks alot friend, God bless you!

  51. Rekha Gurung -- 10 May 11 at 12:26 pm

     

    A really nice and heart touching story. I liked the way the story was narrated, every characters are like roaming around me. I too give time to my mom..

  52. Zahiruddin Babar -- 12 May 11 at 8:37 am

     

    Hats off to you my dear… I can’t describe my feelings through words after reading this story. may ALLAH enable us to fulfill our duties towards our family members and above all, our mothers. May ALLAH bless us all. AAMIN

  53. swatee -- 13 May 11 at 2:23 am

     

    The heart touching story, thanx 4 making everyone understand the importance of family because without family we are nothing…….

  54. alak -- 20 May 11 at 9:39 am

     

    its the perfact story i read ever………….

  55. raj01 -- 26 May 11 at 8:03 am

     

    awesome story :-) keep it up :-)

  56. Alidu -- 14 Jun 11 at 10:46 am

     

    Amazing!!! …………………………….. uuhhh.
    “Touching me pitifully”

  57. Sunil Kumar Nerella -- 16 Jun 11 at 5:09 am

     

    Really heart touching and a nice story. It increased my love towards my mother even more.

  58. Unknown -- 17 Jun 11 at 11:59 am

     

    Brought tears into my eyes… great!

  59. SON -- 17 Jun 11 at 12:02 pm

     

    I LOVE U MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  60. R.S.Yogi (Archanagaon) -- 22 Jun 11 at 4:31 pm

     

    It is a very heart touching story. A lot of thanks to you because it can change thoughts of any bad son but I thought, not any boy is a bad son. However, if possible please advise all sons to read this heart touching story. Again thanksssssssssssssssssss!

  61. Amruta -- 23 Jun 11 at 5:24 am

     

    I LOVE U MOM and SORRY for everything……

  62. Akash -- 24 Jun 11 at 1:14 pm

     

    It’s a very nice story………..it taught a very good lesson……..after reading this I am feeling very nice……

  63. Aroonkumar -- 24 Jun 11 at 1:44 pm

     

    I read the story and the comments from the audience. There is nothing more to say because it has already been said by the others {all the 61 comments given}. This is a very good reach and response by the audience. SUPERB STORY, STEPHEN. KEEP IT UP!

    ” THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS GIVE & BE in HAPPINESS “.

  64. Van -- 3 Jul 11 at 11:37 pm

     

    It felt good to know that these kinds of stories can really touch a person’s life, and made us realize how important those simple things are and the people in our lives. Keep it up! Since I’ve read “what goes around comes around” story, I kept coming back to this site and read as many stories whenever I have free time.

    Really inspiring and it brings you back to the right track.

  65. Nabarun -- 11 Jul 11 at 1:37 am

     

    Truly Amazing!!!!I read it for the first time. I am sure that I shall read it again and again and shall cascade it among my friends and relatives. I love my mom very much.

  66. Suresh Bhosle -- 25 Jul 11 at 4:59 am

     

    I could not stop my tears. It recalled my mother’s remembrance who passed away 12 years ago.These words are touching to the heart and one who really feel who have no mother.

  67. Ankit -- 29 Jul 11 at 1:47 pm

     

    There was a time when mummy took me to a Hotel and ordered my fav. dish and helped me to eat it by her loving hand..At times we jst forget such small things to show which can jst express how mch we care abt her..i like presentin her gift couple of times..bt i guess takin her on a Date ll be a wonderful idea..jst she n me no1 else..Next month once visit home m gonna make sure i do this.!!..Thank u very much as i went through ur posted story..!!

  68. Niranjan -- 3 Aug 11 at 12:48 pm

     

    It’s such a nice story…. I had never read this type of story….I really liked this story..:)

  69. Neha -- 6 Aug 11 at 9:45 am

     

    Oh my God! Tears are in my eyes… Today I came to know the importance of family in my life. I never say to my mom and dad, my sister and big brother how much I love them. I now want to tell them, I love you all a lot more than my life and want to apologize for all my mistakes. Thank you for bringing me back to my identity.

  70. Riya Sachdeva -- 11 Aug 11 at 3:04 am

     

    VERY TRUE—–seriously in a busy life sometimes we ignore our presents, ignore their feelings, their love and care. I like your blog. Through it I come more close to my family and will give my best time to my sweet parents.

    Thanks……..

    L0vE YoU…..

  71. Gumadevi -- 21 Aug 11 at 8:37 am

     

    Thank you so much. It is a memorable story in my life. God bless you my dear.

  72. Niki -- 21 Aug 11 at 8:50 am

     

    It is a good story and should be read by students because they don’t give time to their families and always with their friends. It is truly a heart touching story :)

  73. Saurabh Pandey -- 27 Aug 11 at 3:37 pm

     

    God bless you and your family. Wonderful story and full of realization.

  74. Rajiv.singh -- 2 Sep 11 at 12:17 pm

     

    A really good 1 ……… the ‘advance bill payment’ part was reallty good…….ma heart was full was full while reading this

  75. Nakshatra -- 10 Sep 11 at 12:31 am

     

    It is heart touching………. every human will realise the importance of their mom, after reading this. It is nice, my eyes are with tears… thank u… LOVE YOU mom & dad.

  76. Des -- 11 Sep 11 at 3:49 am

     

    It makes my tears fall at the last part of the story.. sometimes in our life we just take for granted our parents… maybe we don’t have the same parents.. just like me.. my mother and I are not close.. but as I read the story I think it’s time to forgive and forget.. anyway I am now also a mother… thanks to your story and God Bless you.

  77. Nisha -- 18 Sep 11 at 1:07 am

     

    Very touching and heart piercing story… I love my mom. God bless you.

  78. Amar K Singh -- 18 Sep 11 at 10:26 am

     

    very touching, I love you mom and dad …!

  79. Monali -- 21 Sep 11 at 8:16 am

     

    After reading this story, my eyes are full of tears. It touched to the heart. We love our parents but we never show them that “How much we love him?” but i think we must tell them how they are important to us. After my dad, i have only mom. and my mom always give whatever we want and everything we want. Now its our turn to give them a lot of love and happiness.

    Love you Mom and Dad.

  80. Mhy -- 12 Oct 11 at 11:32 pm

     

    Always give our best time to our family especially to our parents who raised us to experience a better life.

  81. YOMI BABATUNDE -- 18 Oct 11 at 12:52 pm

     

    Let us always share our moment of happiness, and our period of questions and concern with our family.

  82. Harsh -- 19 Oct 11 at 2:59 pm

     

    Really nice:) overwhelmed and started missing my mom..eyes filled with tears.

  83. Ohara -- 19 Oct 11 at 3:18 pm

     

    I am so glad that you had that final evening with your mother. I am sure that it gave you great comfort and a wonerful memory. It really doesn’t take much to make a mom as happy as you made yours. Thank you for sharing such a touching story.

  84. Ron -- 23 Oct 11 at 7:30 am

     

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful life touching stories.. as I read this story my tears falling.. its just reminds me when I was a boy… thank you godbless..

  85. Hmza -- 26 Oct 11 at 2:48 pm

     

    Thank u so much brother for that inspiring story, it really makes me aware about the importance of parents in every human life and it was a wise decision from the wife and from u too. Congratulations.

  86. Meg -- 3 Nov 11 at 7:43 pm

     

    What an inspiring story…
    I feel so emotional at this moment.
    I’m missing my family. I hoping to have a date with my parents too. I really love them so much!
    Thank you for this story.=)

  87. SANGAVI -- 4 Nov 11 at 10:43 am

     

    Emotional!!! Fabulous…

  88. Bhupendra Tiwari -- 24 Nov 11 at 3:48 am

     

    The best ever heart touching story I read. Thanks a ton to you man ~

  89. Namabansal -- 24 Nov 11 at 11:38 am

     

    This story touches the heart. Tears was coming from my eyes when I read the end. This story tells us the importance of our family ! Now I feel that I love my parents very much! Love you mom and papa!

  90. Subba Reddy -- 3 Dec 11 at 2:01 pm

     

    Very touching and inspiring. I can’t stop crying. Everyone should know the importance of family and our loved ones and spare some time for them is verymuch important.

  91. Furqan Ahmed -- 7 Dec 11 at 1:18 pm

     

    Hey mom… I love you but I don’t know why I can never express my feelings in front of you… even I don’t know the reason… but I am missing you very much when I am not seeing you around. Umaaah to mom.

  92. Rajesh Varu -- 11 Dec 11 at 8:53 am

     

    It is awesome. I love you so much Mom-Dad…:)

  93. Navya Punam -- 15 Dec 11 at 6:06 am

     

    Nice one. Tears rolled in my eyes… It’s true …nothing is important than parents….

  94. Shrikant Pupal -- 18 Dec 11 at 8:58 pm

     

    Its an awesome STORY, thanks for PRESENTING. Ill Take Care Of My Family And 1 Deserves.

  95. Koushal -- 6 Jan 12 at 1:58 pm

     

    Wow!!! Really heart touching story……tears are not letting my words of course……. MOM IS ALWAYS GREAT IN OUR LIFE MAN!!!!!!!!

    Thanks for posting it dear friend!!!!!

  96. TiandTeo -- 8 Jan 12 at 10:02 am

     

    Thank you so much. The story is very significant. I have made so many mistakes to my parent. After i finished this story, i wanted to come back my home to meet my parent as soon as possible.

  97. Ravneet -- 12 Jan 12 at 7:32 am

     

    It’s such a nice story… :)
    Thanks!

  98. Mayaba -- 14 Jan 12 at 3:13 am

     

    Am Grateful for this story. It has made me Realise the Importance of Family. BRAVO…

  99. Ananya -- 16 Jan 12 at 12:56 am

     

    Awesome, I am spellbound after reading this story. Very well written thanx for reminding the simple things of life.

  100. Ayelaagbe Olalekan -- 23 Jan 12 at 5:08 pm

     

    Lovely and intresting one. It is good to care for ur family. Care 4 ur family & i will care mine too, we can be both care for our country.

  101. Utibe -- 26 Jan 12 at 10:44 am

     

    Wow! Really nice. There’s nothing like having a great wife like the one in the story, and nothing much greater than a man listening to his wife. Nice story, nice writing. Love it :)

  102. Grace -- 27 Jan 12 at 6:04 pm

     

    Oh what a story! No wonder my hubby loves his mum so much.

  103. Taiwoolatoye -- 29 Jan 12 at 3:46 am

     

    It’s a wonderful write-up and am sincerely inspired, indeed our attitude to given our family some quality time of our life is very important. Thanks for such a wonderful time you invested in the writing and posting for public benefit. Good job! Keepe it up.

  104. Reuben -- 29 Jan 12 at 1:26 pm

     

    It actualy reminds me of things i plan to do for my mum but postponed thinking the timing is not good. I always wanted to do a bigger thing in a bigger way.

  105. Sally -- 29 Jan 12 at 2:01 pm

     

    Am realy inspired by this write -up

  106. Ijeoma Opara -- 29 Jan 12 at 11:32 pm

     

    Awesome. Divine. Heart wrenching.

  107. Tinuola -- 30 Jan 12 at 2:48 am

     

    May God open our hearts to wisdom. And grant us d grace. I love dis. How I wish families can get this. I love this.

  108. Uju -- 30 Jan 12 at 4:13 am

     

    How I wish my mom was still here, I would have taken her out to dinner and movies every chance I get.

  109. Abalihi -- 30 Jan 12 at 4:35 am

     

    Can’t hold my tears

  110. Nora -- 30 Jan 12 at 5:03 am

     

    I’m so touched. It made me appreciate all mothers esp my mum the more.

  111. Denis Nichael -- 30 Jan 12 at 5:36 am

     

    You guys have done a nice work. Though I don’t have a mom, but promise her before her death that I will take my young first in her place.

  112. R K Moorthy -- 30 Jan 12 at 11:53 am

     

    Really touching story…

  113. Samson -- 31 Jan 12 at 4:00 am

     

    Thanks for this eye opening message.

  114. Amina Micah -- 31 Jan 12 at 7:36 pm

     

    This story is so torching and a great lesson to everyone whose mum is still alive and thank you for this wonderful story.

  115. Musa -- 1 Feb 12 at 12:13 am

     

    Another lesson to be learnt from this story is the connection between his wife and his mom. The wife ask him to go for dinner with the mom, while the mom later paid the bills for him and his wife for the next date. I think there’s something unique about that too.

  116. Dada ty Okunowo -- 1 Feb 12 at 3:52 am

     

    Nice story! It is heart touching… love to be your fan.

  117. Busrah -- 1 Feb 12 at 1:35 pm

     

    I am glad I read this story. Touching and noted for action. I love you mom and dad.

  118. jhane -- 2 Feb 12 at 11:55 pm

     

    nice story…my tears was falling!!

  119. CHAPWALA -- 3 Feb 12 at 6:32 am

     

    Thanks for sharing such a pathetic and heart felt story and I make a commitment to myself, to love and to show love to my family and anybody around me in all situations or conditions.

Leave a Reply