What to do with Mama?

“Mama, you have gone grown old and feeble. You better come and live with us.”
“Nothing doing!” answered his mother.
“I love you very much. Worry about your safety is causing me sleepless nights.”
“Humph! I bet your wife is jumping in glee I am not living with you” she retorted.
His mother had been the pivot of his life since his Father’s sudden death. His siblings and they owed much of their success to her. He felt it is the least he can do for her now.
He continued to coax her, “We feel you will have a better life than living in that run down house, in the middle of nowhere, with no support system at hand.”
“You owe me nothing. It was my love and duty that made you three what you are. The rundown house is where you lived once upon a time. We coped very well.”
“We sure did. But you are no longer young and active.”
“I have God with me.”
“You will also have him with you when you live with us.”
“I will think about it. Now go, you have a plane to catch” his mother shooed him off.
He flew back home knowing his pleas had fallen on deaf ears. It would cause no burden to have her live with him. It is just her independent spirit, her penchant for not mincing words and critical looks that would cause tension. She knew it well.
But then, what if she fell ill? Back abroad, the niggling thoughts played in his mind, when he received a mail from her. Evidently she had been giving her situation some thought. His resourceful Mama, well aware of his dilemma, had decided to move into a Retirement Home. She felt it best as she had no desire whatsoever to join him overseas. He agreed to her decision, as always. Perhaps, it is best for everyone’s peace of mind.
Hardly! It created a family storm. His siblings, extended family and close friends got themselves involved.
“How could you?” his sisters protested. “Our home is always open for Mama.”
His in-laws were equally distressed “It will look like our daughter is at fault.”
His close friends, who knew and loved his mother were shocked “How callous! After all she has done for you.”
His arguments that it was a first class Retirement Home costing a bomb for her upkeep were pooh-poohed off. He was cast as a villain. His wife a schemer!
A family conference soon followed. Mama was brought to his home, lock stock and barrel, protesting all the way. She was settled in a cozy room, with all her knickknacks and photographs for company. Mission accomplished, all concerned returned to their individual pursuits.
Mama was soon relegated to the background – an invisible presence in their midst. He was relieved or was he? He wondered when the storm would erupt. He knew his Mama.

Author is an Anglo Indian, senior citizen from India. She is widely travelled, both in India and abroad. Her hobbies include reading, writing and travelling. She can be contacted at weshetty@gmail.com.