Chris' mother calls him into her room to talk to him.
.
Paula: Christopher, [speaking Dutch] kom hier mijn zoon (come here my son)
Chris: Mom, this must be serious, you only say that when it's bad.
Paula: nee (no), I just want to talk to you.
Chris: o... kay...
Paula: kom bij me zitten (come sit with me)
Chris: okay, you're starting to make me worry, this is a lot of Dutch.
Paula: my wonderful son.
Chris: yes Mom, I'm your only son [laughing] ...
Paula: [laughing] ... mijn geliefde (my love), I'm not doing so well these past few weeks. The pain is so intense sometimes. I know I do not have long on this earth.
Chris: [starting to tear up] Mom ...
Paula: nee, nee ... listen to me [she gently touches his cheek]
... my son, this is the truth, this cannot be changed by our hands, no amount of wishes and prayers can. I just want you to know that you have always been my favorite. You are truly mother's boy. You have grown into such a handsome young man, and I am so very proud of you. You have such a beautiful heart and so much love and caring for someone so young. Whether I leave next year or next week, no mother on this earth will ever be prouder of their child, than I am of you.
Chris: Aww, Mom, you're going to make me cry.
They share a long lovely hug. Chris pulls back slowly and dips his head.
Chris: Mom, I need to tell you something that's been eating away at me for a few years now, and the past few months even more.
Paula: of course, Dushi, you know you can always tell me anything.
Chris: maybe not this.
Paula: fear not, my love is forever.
Chris: [taking several very deep breaths before finally saying] Mom I'm attracted to ... [taking another deep breath, he drops his head]
Paula: [gently lifts his chin] it's okay Christopher, you can tell me anything. Just say what's on your mind, Dushi.
Those words just added a level of trust and love, he took one last deep breath and said.
Chris: boys, Mom, I like boys, and girls too ... I ... I don't know why, I just do, I'm not sure if I should. I don't want to let you down.
Paula: Christopher Andrew van der Berg, I am your mother, I carried you for nine months, I gave you all my love. I have to admit, I thought I'd never see the day when you would tell me ... [Chris starts to panic, thinking he just broke mother's heart until she continues]
... the truth. Did you think I would love you any less? Nothing has changed, nothing will ever cause me to stop loving you. Come here, I know that was not easy to do, I want to thank you for being honest with me, as well as yourself. I love you Dushi. And, mothers know their sons. [tapping Chris on the cheek and smiles]
.
Chris just hugs his mother and starts crying. These are tears of joy, he feels so relieved. After what seemed like a million deep exhales, Chris finally asks.
.
Chris: When? When did you know?
Paula: definitely around when you were 13 or 14. I knew how much you liked Michelle, but then I saw how you and Clayton are together, and I put two and two together. Either way, I like them both.
Chris: oh my God, Mom, no wonder I could never get away with anything.
Paula: of course, my dear, like I said a mother knows.
Chris: [laughing] Mom, I wish you weren't sick, I don't want to lose you.
Paula: Dushi, you are strong, and I know you will be fine. You don't have to worry about money, everything is taken care of.
Chris: Mom, I'm not worried about that, I don't want to be without you.
Paula: I going to say something you might not like. [pausing, taking her son's hand and says]
... If you were in my shoes and I in yours. I would pray for you not to be in pain, I would pray for your pain to end and for you to be at peace.
Chris: well I'm just selfish because I love you, and I don't want you to go.
Paula: I cannot stay here forever, Dushi.
Chris: I understand, I love you Mom, thank you for being the best ever, forever, and ever, and ever.
Paula: forever, and ever .... [laughing]. Come and lay with me...
.
Chris gets up and goes to the other side of the bed, Mrs. van der Berg gives him a hug and lays his head on her lap, then begins to sing.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Paula: Hush a bye, little one
Close your eyes, little one
Dream time is near
you needn't fear
And when you wake
I will be here
Rest your head, little one
Dream sweet dreams, little one
The stars say "goodnight"
I say "sleep tight"
And when you wake,
I will be here
.
Chris smiles and cries and lays on his mother's lap, and she and he are sound asleep.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
