Don’t Leave, Mum: An English Family Story

Common wisdom says you cant judge a book by its cover.

But Barbara Smith thought that was nonsenseshe was sure she understood people better than most!

Her daughter, Emily, had gotten married just a year ago.

Barbara had pictured Emily finding a good, respectable man, settling down, having children. Shed imagined herself, the proud grandmother, at the centre of a big, happy family, just as before.

Gareth, Emilys husband, seemed clever, and it was obvious he wasnt short of money. He wore his success like a badge of honour. Still, they moved into his place, a tidy little flat, and it quickly became clear they didnt need much in the way of her advice!

Barbara was convinced Gareth was having a bad influence on her daughter.

None of this matched up to Barbaras careful plans. Gareth grated on hereverything about him seemed to rub her up the wrong way.

Mum, you just dont understand. Gareth grew up in foster care; hes made everything of himself by working hard. Hes strong, hes a good man, hes kind, Emily would plead.

Barbara would simply purse her lips, finding new flaws in Gareth to focus on.

He was nothing like he appeared when he was wooing her daughter! Barbara felt it was her duty as a mother to open Emilys eyes to this empty pretender before it became too late.

No proper education, stubborn, didnt seem to care much about anything!

Spent his weekends, for heavens sake, glued to the telly, claiming he was tired!

And her daughter was meant to spend her whole life with someone like that? Over her dead body. Emily would thank her in the end.

What about their future childrenher, Barbaras, grandchildrenwhat could a man like that teach them?

Barbara was well and truly disappointed. Meanwhile, Gareth, feeling the ice from his mother-in-law, began to avoid her, too.

They saw each other less and less. In the end, Barbara stopped coming to their flat altogether.

Emilys father, ever the gentle soul, was wise to stay neutral, knowing full well what his wife was like.

Then one evening, long after dark, Barbaras phone rang, Emilys voice trembling on the other end:

Mum, I didnt mention it earlier, but Im on a work trip for a couple of days. Gareth caught a chill at the construction site, came home from work early, really wasnt himself. I tried calling, but hes not picking up the phone.

Emily, why are you telling me all this? Barbara snapped. You two are so independent, its like your father and I dont matter anymore! As if anyone cares how Im feeling. Now its midnight and youre ringing just to talk about Gareths cold. Have you completely lost your mind?

Mum, Emilys voice wavered, worry clear, please, Im just upset you wont try to understand. We love each other. You act like Gareths some sort of nobody, but hes not! How could you think Id fall in love with a bad man? Dont you trust me?

Barbara was silent.

Mum, Im begging you. You have a key to our flat. Please, go and check on Gareth. I think somethings really wrong! Please, Mum!

Alrightonly because its you, Barbara sighed, heading off to wake her husband.

No answer came when they rang the doorbell, so Barbara let them in with her key.

The flat was dark; perhaps no one was home?

Maybe hes not here? her husband suggested, but Barbara fixed him with a stern look. She could feel Emilys worry tug at her own heart.

She entered the living room and froze. Gareth was sprawled on the sofa, twisted awkwardly. He was burning with fever!

The paramedic who arrived soon brought Gareth around.

No need to worry, looks like your sons caught a nasty infection. Tried to push through, probably works too hard, does he? the doctor said sympathetically.

Yes, he works a lot, Barbara replied quietly.

Just watch his temperature and ring us straightaway if anything changes.

Gareth slept on, while Barbara sat nearby, unsettled to find herself at her son-in-laws bedside.

He lay there pale, sweat-soaked hair clinging to his forehead. Suddenly, Barbara found herself feeling sorry for him. Asleep, he looked so much younger, his features softer.

Mum, Gareth whispered, half-dreaming, clutching her hand, Dont go Mum.

Barbara was speechless but couldnt bring herself to pull her hand away.

She kept vigil through the night.

At daybreak, Emily called anxiously:

Mum, you dont have to go, Ill be back soon, Im sure itll all be alright.

Of course, loveit already is, Barbara replied, a warm smile in her voice. Were waiting for you. Everythings fine.

*****

When Emilys first child was born, Barbara offered to help at once.

Gareth, grateful, bent and kissed her hand.

See, Emily? I told you, Mum would always want to help us.

Barbara, proudly cradling little Thomas, wandered around the room chatting happily to him.

Well, Tom, youre one lucky ladyou have the best mum, the best dad, and a smashing granny and granddad! What a charmed life youre going to have!

So perhaps theres truth in the saying: you cant judge a book by its cover.

And only love reveals what truly matters.