>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."
>
>"Marvin, 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."
>
>"Michael, 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."
>
>"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