02/02/2026 from Daily Jokes
#21755
Three grown sons had finally left home, each saying goodbye to their devoted single mother who had raised them with sacrifice, discipline, and love. They went out into the world determined to succeed, and over the years, each of them prospered in his own way. Time passed, and one year the brothers decided to return home together to celebrate their elderly mother’s birthday.
On the evening of their visit, the three sat together reminiscing and talking about the gifts they had chosen for her. Each loved her deeply, and each wanted to believe that his gift showed the greatest appreciation for all she had done.
The first son spoke proudly. “I wanted to give Mom something she never had while raising us,” he said. “So I built her a mansion. Twenty-six rooms, high ceilings, and a massive backyard filled with trees, flowers, and walking paths. It’s elegant, spacious, and peaceful. She’ll finally have room to breathe and live like royalty.”
The second son smiled and nodded, then added, “That’s impressive, but I thought about convenience. I bought her a top-of-the-line luxury car, fully equipped. Not only that, it comes with a private driver. She’ll never need to worry about traffic, directions, or carrying groceries again. Wherever she wants to go, whenever she wants, she’ll be taken there in comfort.”
The third son leaned back, grinning confidently. “You both did well,” he said, “but I think I outdid you. You remember how much Mom loved reading the Bible, and you know her eyesight isn’t what it used to be. So I sent her something truly special. I found a remarkable parrot that can recite the entire Bible from memory. The church elders spent twelve years teaching him. All Mom has to do is say the chapter and verse, and the parrot recites it perfectly. There’s nothing else like it in the world.”
The brothers sat in satisfied silence, agreeing that each gift was thoughtful and generous. They were certain their mother would be overwhelmed with gratitude.
A few weeks later, each son received a handwritten letter from their mother.
“Dear Milton,” she wrote to the first, “the house you built is far too large for an old woman like me. I live in only one room, but I must clean all twenty-six. I’m exhausted most days.”
“Dear Gerald,” she wrote to the second, “I’m too old to travel much anymore, and my eyesight isn’t very good. I spend most of my time at home, so the car sits unused. And I must tell you, the driver has quite a bad attitude.”
Finally, she wrote to the third son.
“Dearest Donald,” the letter read, “you were the only one who truly understood what your mother enjoys. That chicken you sent was absolutely delicious.”
