Page 60 of Embracing Us
“Thank you,” I whisper as emotion overwhelms me. Today does feel like the end of a chapter, the beginning of something new. “And do you still plan to stay in Spain?”
“At the moment,” she says with a smile. “I have a little apartment on the coast and a lovely group of ladies to lunch with. For the time being, I will be here.” I step forward and wrap her in my arms once more.
“Thank you, Crystal. For everything.”
*
Thursday arrives, and we pack our final suitcases. After cramming all Jackson’s required belongings, our bags, three adults and a one-year-old into the taxi, we head off to the airport. With a final glance out the window, I say goodbye to the hotel which changed my life, somewhere I felt I belonged and found what was meant for me.
Linda holds my hand as we cruise along the motorway to begin our journey back to London. The next stage is unknown. With my mother’s illness, it is hard to predict how life will progress. But after summer, both Linda and I will return to our jobs within the education system. Jackson will begin nursery, and life will move on. We will do everything we can to support my mother in the coming months and years.
The airport is busy with holidaymakers wanting to take advantage of the sunnier climate. It takes an eternity to pass through security, but eventually, we are sitting on the plane, and it takes off into the air. My mother is subdued, it’s as if she knows times are changing, but how much she understands I am unsure.
As the plane bumps down on the tarmac in London, a sense of sadness overwhelms me. Once we collect our cases, we are heading straight for my mother’s new home, most likely her final place to live. Part of me feels like I only just found her, and she’s already being taken away. Although the thought is ridiculous, because she has always been in my life, I can’t help but feel we missed out.
The care home sits in acres of green garden. A purpose-built hospital designed to create peaceful endings to tormented lives. As I lead my mother through the large sliding doors, I am met with a kind-looking nurse who welcomes her warmly. I was told to make my visit brief, so they could get her settled in her new home. I would be welcome to return in a few days to visit.
Linda and Jackson wait in the car for my return; she had insisted on me having the moment with my mother myself. When I slid back into the taxi beside her, she leant across our son who slept between us and placed her lips on my cheek. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispered. “You are the strongest man I’ve ever known.” A tear escapes, running down my cheek. “Shall we go home?” she says, and I nod. The driver starts the engine, and we set off towards the little two-up, two-down house in Hackney where we will continue our amazing adventure together.
