不能改天的约会(图)

　　After 21 years of marriage, I discovered a new way ofkeepingalive the spark of love. I started to go out with anotherwoman. Itwas really my wifes idea.

　　I know that you love her, she said one day, taking mebysurprise. But I love YOU, I protested. I know, but you alsoloveher.

　　The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my mother,whohas been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work andmythree children had made it possible to visit her onlyoccasionally.That night I called to invite her to go out fordinner and a movie.Whats wrong, are you well? she asked.

　　My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late nightcallor a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. I thoughtthat itwould be pleasant to pass some time with you, I responded.Justthe two of us. She thought about it for a moment, then said,Iwould like that very much.

　　That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was abitnervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she,too,seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the doorwithher coat on.

　　She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that shehadworn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled fromaface that was as radiant as an angels. I told my friends thatIwas going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,shesaid, as she got into the car. They cant wait to hear aboutourmeeting.

　　We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was veryniceand cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the FirstLady.After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could onlyreadlarge print. Half way through the entrees, I lifted my eyes andsawMom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was onherlips.

　　It was I who used to have to read the menu when you weresmall,she said. Then its time that you relax and let me returnthefavor, I responded.
　　During the dinner we had an agreeable conversation -nothingextraordinary - but catching up on recent events of eachotherslife. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As wearrived ather house later, she said, Ill go out with you again,but only ifyou let me invite you. I agreed.

　　How was your dinner date? asked my wife when I got home.Verynice. Much more so than I could have imagined, Ianswered.

　　A few days later my mother died of a massive heart attack.Ithappened so suddenly that I didnt have a chance to do anythingforher. At that moment I understood the importance of saying intime:I LOVE YOU and to give our loved ones the time thattheydeserve.

　　Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give themthetime they deserve, because these things cannot be put offtillsome other time.

　　(实习编辑:顾萍)