GIFTS FOR MOTHER
Four brothers left home for college, and they became successful doctors and
lawyers and prospered. Some years later, they chatted after having dinner
together. They discussed the gifts that they were able to give to their elderly
mother, who lived far away in another city.
The first said, “I had a big house built for Mama. The second said, “I had a
hundred thousand dollar theater built in the house. The third said, “I had my
Mercedes dealer deliver her an SL600with a chauffeur. The fourth said, “Listen
to this. You know how Mama loved reading the Bible and you know she can’t
read it anymore because she can’t see very well. I met this monk who told me
about a parrot that can recite the entire Bible. It took 20monks 12years to
teach him. I had to pledge them $100,000a year for 20years to the church,
but it was worth it. Mama just has to name the chapter and verse and the
parrot will recite it.” The other brothers were impressed.
After the holidays Mama sent out her Thank You notes. She wrote: Dear
Milton, the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to
clean the whole house. Thanks anyway.
Dear Mike, you gave me an expensive theater with Dolby sound, it could hold
50people, but all my friends are dead, I’ve lost my hearing and I’m nearly
blind. I’ll never use it. But thank you for the gesture just the same.
Dear Marvin, I am too old to travel. I stay home, I have my groceries delivered,
so I never use the Mercedes … and the driver you hired is a big jerk. But the
thought was good. Thanks.
Dearest Melvin, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little
thought to your gift. The chicken was delicious. Thank you.”