Bradford Lad: A Loyal Escort
Mike Coatesworth pays tribute to his mother who, even though she is in her eighties, is having to care for one of her sons.
While talking to my mother the other day, I remarked that she always appeared to be a picture of health.
‘Well, the older I get, the stronger I become,’ was her reply.
I can well believe it. She is now in her eighties. This caring lady usually thinks of others before herself. For years she has looked after my younger brother who is epileptic. My mother is a very private lady. She guards her privacy and will not let other people get too close to her. Sometimes it seems as though she is surrounded by an invisible barrier which could bear the sign "Don't invade my space.''
However everyone who knows her realises that beneath this armour plating is an essentially shy person who hates any kind of fuss. I think that she should be commended for giving up her life to care for another person, and this at a time in her own life when she should be relaxing and enjoying being pampered by her family. But it's a mother's instinct to look after her children, no matter wehat her age.
My mother has a wonderful sense of humour. Her gentle laughter is contagious. Those in her company cannot help but take an instant liking to her. A couple of years ago she decided she would like to visit Bridlington and phoned a local taxi service. I don’t know who was more surprised, the taxi driver or us, when she stated our destination. We had a great time in Brid, and the taxi driver, charmed by my mother, waited around for a few hours while we did so.
Once I ran over my mother's feet with my wheelchair. Accidentally of course. Now she makes sure that she's out of harm's way when I'm around, giving me a wink to let me know that I'm not going to catch her twice.
Not so long ago my brother was able to play a round of golf. Not any more. He no longer feels able to go out on his own. My mother is his escort. My brother, always a proud man, has become dependent at the age of 54.
Many years ago I was involved in a bad accident which resulted in my being in a wheelchair. I was told I could take the easy way out by going into a home where virtually everything would be done for me, or I could fight on and live as indepenent a life as possible. I am still fighting on.
I hope that when I reach the ripe age of 81, the only thing that I will be doing is relaxing by a lake and fishing. Not only will I be enjoying myself. I will know my kids are in good health and don't need me as an escort.
