Timothy's Primary School held a Mother's Day Tea annually. For the past two years, this event gave Patrick angst. Why must they remind a young boy of what he's lost?

Patrick's grudge over the tea was evidenced by his anger when the school sent Timothy away with his scrapped arm. Why couldn't they remember that he didn't have a mother to care for him. Then Sister stepped in and smoothed everything over. He was so grateful for her assistance.

The first year, without any debate it was decided that Timothy would stay home from school that day. The loss of his mother was still too fresh to bear.

The following year, when the notice for the tea came home, Patrick responded sharply, " Again!"

Timothy who often handled his motherlessness better than his father suggested, "Maybe someone else could go with me," he paused and continued, "one of the nurses perhaps or I've got it!"

"Who Tim?" his father asked curiously.

"Sister Bernadette! I want to take Sister Bernadette."

"Tim, you can't take one of the sisters to Mother's Day tea," Patrick said annoyed.

"Why not?"

"Because it isn't proper. Sisters can't be mothers."

Patrick looked at the sad and disappointed look on his son's face. "Timothy, I know someone special you can take though."

"Who?"

"Granny. We'll call Granny Parker and invite her."

With his suggestion his son smiled and Patrick felt glad.

By the end of February 1959, Timothy was home from hospital and Shelagh was busy with the nurses planning their wedding. Patrick was happier than he could remember.

When the noticed came home for the Mother's Day tea the following week a shadow of memories cast over him for just a moment until he looked at his son's face beaming.

He smiled too as Timothy said, "Now my dream can come true."

"What's that?"

"I can take the one person that I wanted more than any other to the tea."

Patrick a bit slow to follow giving his residual angst smiled and Tim continued, "And you said sisters couldn't be mothers!"

"I am so glad I was wrong," Patrick smiled and hugged his son.

Patrick smiled again when Timothy ask Shelagh to the tea and he added, "I think I'll call you Mum if it's okay."

Smiling and nodding her head, Shelagh could only say, "Yes!"