Mother’s New Plan

As soon as getting in the house and seeing mother in such strange clothes, she had known something is wrong. Mother had never dressed up like this before. There must have been a good reason.
She did not welcome her. In fact, she expected her to call before showing up. Leila got surprised. Mother was not acting like her usual self. She tried to see what is going on.
Mother did not go around the bush and got right into the point: “I have done enough for you guys. It is time to get back to myself. I have a life to live, too! Therefore, I have no more time for you showing up now and then at my door, expecting me to welcome you. My time is limited now and I have a busy schedule.”
It was a serious announcement. Leila did not know if it is a joke or not. Mother sounded strange anyway.
Calling Ali, Leila found out he had passed the process with mom too.
“She is attending different classes now. She has goals, and she wants to follow them. So, we should not interrupt. That is what she asked me. And I guess it is fair enough.”
It was a relief to know that nothing is wrong. But it affected Leila’s way of seeing life too. While mother was using her hours in the best way, how terrible she was wasting it over nothing! She began to set goal for herself, and it made her feel much active and younger… like the old days in school.
She called mom and thanked her on her answering machine: “It was the best thing you have ever taught me mom. I have a busy enjoyable life now, and it is because of you.”

Listening to Leila’s voice, mom thought: Since both children coped with my time limitation claiming and I am going to miss them from now on, maybe it is time to do something real instead of listening to whatever the counselor tells and look for real classes to attend instead of passing time at home!!!