For our dear Mama.

[Guest guest]

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 SL600. "

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

priest who told me about a parrot that can recite the entire Bible. It took

twenty priests 12 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $100,000 a

year for twenty years 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, Mom sent out her Thank You notes.

She wrote: " Milton, the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room but

I have to clean the whole house. Thanks, anyway. "

" Dearest Melvin, I am too old to travel. I stay home, I have my groceries

delivered, so I never use the Mercedes. The thought was good. Thanks. "

" , you give me an expensive theater with Dolby sound, it could hold 50

people, but all my friends are dead, I've lost my hearing and I'm nearly blind.

I'll never use it. Thank you for the gesture just the same. "

" Marvin, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little thought

to your gift. The chicken was delicious. Thank you. "

~ " We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a

little of each other everywhere. " ~

~ " If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you've made me smile, the

entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand. "