THE GIFT ('TIS FUNNY)

Four brothers left home for college, and they became successful doctors and
lawyers and prospered. Some years later, they chatted after having had
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 one hundred thousand dollar theater built in the house."

The third said, "I had my Mercedes dealer deliver her an SL 600."

The fourth said, "Listen to this. You know how Mama loved reading the
Bible, and you know how she can't read anymore because her eyesight is so
bad. Well, I met this priest who told me about a parrot that can recite the
entire Bible. It took twenty priests twelve 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."

After the holidays Mama 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."

"Michael, you gave 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. Thanks for the gesture just the same."

"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."

Dearest Melvin, you were the only son to have given some thought to your
gift. The chicken was delicious. Thank you."