Give time to our family | Motivational Stories
≡ Menu

Give time to our family

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.”

{ 343 comments… add one }
  • Nakshatra September 10, 2011, 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.

  • Rajiv.singh September 2, 2011, 12:17 pm

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

  • Saurabh Pandey August 27, 2011, 3:37 pm

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

  • Niki August 21, 2011, 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 🙂

  • Gumadevi August 21, 2011, 8:37 am

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

  • Riya Sachdeva August 11, 2011, 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…..

  • Neha August 6, 2011, 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.

  • Niranjan August 3, 2011, 12:48 pm

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

  • Ankit July 29, 2011, 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..!!

  • Suresh Bhosle July 25, 2011, 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.

  • Nabarun July 11, 2011, 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.

  • Van July 3, 2011, 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.

  • Aroonkumar June 24, 2011, 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 “.

  • Akash June 24, 2011, 1:14 pm

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

  • Amruta June 23, 2011, 5:24 am

    I LOVE U MOM and SORRY for everything……

  • R.S.Yogi (Archanagaon) June 22, 2011, 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!

  • SON June 17, 2011, 12:02 pm

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

  • Unknown June 17, 2011, 11:59 am

    Brought tears into my eyes… great!

  • Sunil Kumar Nerella June 16, 2011, 5:09 am

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

  • Alidu June 14, 2011, 10:46 am

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

  • raj01 May 26, 2011, 8:03 am

    awesome story 🙂 keep it up 🙂

  • Alak May 20, 2011, 9:39 am

    It’s the perfact story I read ever……..

  • swatee May 13, 2011, 2:23 am

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

  • Zahiruddin Babar May 12, 2011, 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

  • Rekha Gurung May 10, 2011, 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..

  • Gaurav_Luthra May 7, 2011, 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!

  • Dianah May 6, 2011, 1:56 pm

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

  • Vinam April 28, 2011, 12:01 pm

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

  • Anna April 26, 2011, 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

  • khader April 20, 2011, 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.

  • Mona April 17, 2011, 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.

  • Seshu March 16, 2011, 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

  • Syed Zeeshan Ali March 14, 2011, 10:50 am

    Heart touching nice story

  • Raj March 6, 2011, 6:39 am

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

  • lendl February 23, 2011, 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…:(

  • Israel Chima November 25, 2010, 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.

  • Sudhakark November 24, 2010, 12:32 am

    Heart touching story. My bro gone through this blog and told me. Hat’s off to the son, the mother and wife. No wonder I too couldn’t control my tears.

  • Glen from Oman November 13, 2010, 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

  • Muzaffar sheriff November 2, 2010, 9:06 am

    Well I was in the 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’s feel and gave this word which I am 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.

  • Senti Aier October 25, 2010, 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.

  • Hubba_Bubba_LOVER October 19, 2010, 10:06 am

    It was truly inspiring and I wish to make more effort with my family. GRREAT!!:)

    GO HUBBA BUBBA!

  • Dr Avan October 12, 2010, 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….

  • Tasneem October 11, 2010, 10:42 pm

    No words to describe my feelings…

  • Mans September 28, 2010, 8:53 pm

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

  • Pradeep September 23, 2010, 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…

  • Bhav September 15, 2010, 3:34 pm

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

  • Annie September 13, 2010, 3:18 am

    It’s a beautiful story. I was surprised when I read the ending of the story.

  • Dipti August 25, 2010, 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…

  • Harprit July 30, 2010, 3:28 am

    Heart touching story…..

  • Harprit July 30, 2010, 3:27 am

    It was the most touching story, it bought tears in my eyes……

  • Kentucky Reignman July 27, 2010, 2:12 pm

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

  • Gopi July 17, 2010, 1:33 am

    Lovely story. I inspired a lot.

  • Sanju June 12, 2010, 12:54 pm

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

  • Kiran May 23, 2010, 6:40 am

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

  • Rina May 21, 2010, 5:04 am

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

  • MYOVELA JULIUS April 22, 2010, 9:12 am

    Ooh my lord…! Now my tears are on the ground…..really it is a heartfelt story……… Love you my mom.

  • Yousuf April 15, 2010, 3:44 am

    No words to say …… really heart touching story, I can’t stop thinking….

  • SHONAL April 12, 2010, 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.

  • TySawn March 11, 2010, 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

  • Purva February 6, 2010, 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.

  • Bala February 3, 2010, 4:15 am

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

  • Azmanctm January 17, 2010, 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.

  • Raja January 15, 2010, 9:11 pm

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

  • Arifa January 5, 2010, 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

  • Jeff December 29, 2009, 1:41 am

    Very touching. I love you Mum.

  • Dawood pasha December 22, 2009, 5:25 am

    Really a touching story, definitely I am planning to take my mother for dinner.

  • Jules December 20, 2009, 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.

  • iamallen November 5, 2009, 11:11 am

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

  • Leena October 30, 2009, 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

  • Leena October 30, 2009, 8:20 am

    Heart melting story. I love my mom. I plan to spend time with my mom now.

  • Rosa October 24, 2009, 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.

  • Sandip Joshi September 13, 2009, 6:55 am

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

  • Shalom July 23, 2009, 10:22 pm

    Oh, it’s a nice story… I like it!

    It’s very inspiring…

    ^.^

  • Stephen December 2, 2008, 3:08 pm

    Hi Mohammad 🙂

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

  • Mohammad_aljbory December 2, 2008, 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…congratulations.

Comments Page 1 of 512345
Cancel reply

Leave a Comment