A simple request to someone in love comes as a command.
I knew this was true; that if I but hesitate and say, “Mother, you needn’t worry, you needn’t bother,” the fire to please would be stirred inside her…and it was.
Then I controlled and presumed to demand so she raced the clock, frantic to do what I required and while the fog was heavy and her windows were white she drove and fretted.
All the way I could imagine what she thought, “If I am late, if I lose my way, my son will miss his flight.”
And then to add to her fears, she did lose her way and was to fail the tasks required.
About this time, my dad standing anxiously by my side, turned to me and said, “Lately your mom has been losing her way, she gets confused.”
And there I was, stunned, knowing she was late and realizing what I had done.
I stood in the rain to watch for her car.
I examined each pair of lights which passed.
I hoped the next would lead her long grey Ford safely there.
And, finally, when she arrived, I wrapped my arms around her - - relieved, so relieved, relieved my pride had caused her no harm.
And as I kissed her and held her there, tears swelled in her eyes.
She told me to hurry, “Don’t miss your flight.”
And I felt pain, real pain, and do even now.
