A Coincidental Coffee

A Coincidental Coffee or A Message from Mum

It’s Mothers Day again. As I wander around the shops I can’t stop myself searching for a card that mum would like. It’s been more than 7 years now but that overwhelming feeling of grief just catches me unawares.  As I look through the displays and read the sentiments I get that lump in my throat and I know I need a coffee. That's how I found myself sitting alone in M&S thinking of mum.

Now I’m not sure what you think of coincidences but I believe there is more to them than we may think.  You see I don't normally have coffee alone and I definitely don't have coffee in M & S so when an old lady sat near me and started to chat I decided to stay a while longer.

She had noticed that I was alone but I explained it was a rare occasion for me and she was welcome to join me. She smiled and told me how this was her first trip out since losing her husband. Her family lived away and her grandchildren were all at university. Her daughter had told her to go out and meet people so she had got on a bus and come to M &S where she used to shop with her hubby. But she had noticed that everyone seemed to be with someone. That's why she chose to sit near me.

Mother's Day Card 2018

I didn't like to leave her alone and I had nothing spoiling so

we continued to chat.

She asked if I had bought anything. I told her I was looking for a mother’s day card but had failed to find one that I liked.  I enjoyed telling her how I usually make my own cards, as I can never find the right verse.

I remembered a similar conversation I had had last year with a young shop assistant. I explained to the old lady that mum liked small cards with a simple message rather that what mum referred to as “Top of the Telly Cards”

The old lady smiled and got out her purse

Inside was a newspaper cutting. She handed it to me and said

“I like this verse” she said “It was in the local paper so I cut it out”

I unfolded the newspaper cutting and read the verse.

“That's just perfect,” I said. I took a sip of my coffee and handed back the newspaper cutting.

The verse that the old lady carried in her purse was the one I have written on every card since mum died.

Loved you then

Love you still

Always have

Always will

Coincidence? Maybe.

Message from mum? Most Definitely!

Happy Mothers Day, Mum.

R Sharon