TRUE GRATITUDE

Posted by Unknown On Thursday, March 5, 2009 6 comments
The following story was sent to me by a blog reader named Mei Wan. Thanks for sharing!

Have a nice day everyone wherever you may be...

Take care and happy reading!

Cheers!

_________________________________________________________________

Once upon a time, there were once three brothers, very close in age, who grew up constantly competing with each other for virtually everything -- in sports, at school, with the girls. You
name it!

In time, they grew up, finished school, and left home. Before long, all three had become very successful in business (on the competitive plane) and were quite wealthy. Even so, their
"sibling rivalry" continued.

One night as their mother's 80th birthday approached, the three got together for dinner and began discussing what each of them had planned to mark this special occasion. Each brother naturally intended to outdo the others with his gift plans.



"Well," the first son said, "neither one of you can top this. I've bought her the most expensive, luxurious Mercedes available and hired her a full-time driver."


The second son snorted: "Ha! That's nothing! I've built her a huge mansion, with magnificent landscaped grounds and a gorgeous swimming pool."

The third son, leaned back in his chair and just smiled at his brothers, savoring the moment of victory he knew was at hand. Then he said, "I've got you both beat.

"You know how much Mom has always enjoyed reading the Bible but has trouble with it now that her eyesight's getting weaker. Well, I've found the most beautiful, exotic parrot -- an extremely rare species, but that's not the most important part. You see, THIS parrot can recite the entire Bible.


"Twenty monks in a remote part of the world spent ten solid years teaching this bird, and I had to pledge $100,000 a year for the next 20 years to the monastery, but it was worth it. Mom just has to name a chapter and verse, and the parrot will recite it, word for word."

The other brothers sat staring, their mouths hanging open in astonishment. Then both glumly admitted that the Bible-quoting parrot was the hands-down winner, and the evening drew to a close with the third son feeling extremely proud to have outstripped his brothers.

Mom's birthday came and went, and a week or so after it each of the three men found a note from her in his mailbox.

"Milton," she wrote the first son, "Thank you for the house. But it is so huge. I live in only one room, but I still have to clean the whole thing."

"Marvin," she wrote to the second son, "Thank you for the car, but I am too old to get out much. I stay home all the time cleaning this huge house, so I never use the Mercedes. And the
driver is just plain rude!"

"Dearest Melvin," she wrote to her third son, "Thank you so much. You are my only son to have the good sense to know what your old mother really likes.

"That chicken was delicious."


What is your interpretation of the story? Currently, there is a debate between my son and I as both of us have different reactions to the story.

Please leave a comment and share your thoughts. Thanks!

6 comments to TRUE GRATITUDE

  1. says:

    romerz Don't presume to know what the old folks want. Ask them, it is as simple as that!

    And don't use them for personal self-gratification.

    I think it is all about values. Values changes when one moves through the carousel of life.

    A few years ago I would have given up an arm and a leg for attraction from the opposite sex. Today, I will give up the same arm and leg for good health for those I love!

  1. says:

    Unknown Hi Romerz,

    Good point! I concur with you...of course my 10-year old boy saw it differently :-)...

    And I hear where you are coming from re the desire for health. I do too. Between health and wealth, I choose health.

    Thanks for visiting...

    Take care and God bless you and yours.

  1. says:

    mayling I am a mother and grandmother of 64 years old. I told my children to give me nice presents when I can still see clearly.

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Mayling,

    Thank you for visiting my blog and for taking the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate your kind gesture and am so happy to hear from you.

    Indeed, the gift of vision is something which helps us all to appreciate life better...

    I am sure your children/grandchildren will do just that for you :-).

    God bless you and your family and do come again.

    cheers

  1. says:

    jonno1951 Paula

    I am with you. Give me health any time over wealth. As they say, you can't take it with you.

    At least I have a spare moment today to comment (ahhh, what bliss). HAHAHA

    Tell that boy to behave and not argue with mom.

    Rules of the house

    1. Mom (and dad) is always right.
    2. In case mom (or dad) is wrong, refer back to Rule 1.

    Tell him if he doesn't obey those rules, I will come back and paddle his bottom.

    Hugs
    John

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Uncle John,

    Thanks for dropping by.

    Ahhh...very good rules :-). I must tell Nick already. It is Merdekafor him today because his exams ended yesterday..

    Take care and have a great weekend.

    hugs

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