Three sons left home, went out on their own and prospered. Getting back together, they discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly mother.
Their mother played such an important part in becoming successful that each son wanted to give a gift that was really special.
The first said, “I built a big house for our mother.” The second said, “I sent her a Mercedes-Benz with a driver.” The third smiled and said, “I’ve got you both beat. Remember how mom enjoyed reading the Bible? And you know she can’t see very well. I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the entire Bible. It took elders in the church 12 years to teach him. He’s one of a kind. Mama just has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot recites it.”
Soon thereafter, mom sent a letter to each son.
“Milton,” she wrote one son, “the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house.”
“Gerald,” she wrote to another, “I am too old to travel. I stay most of the time at home, so I rarely use the car.”
She wrote to her third son, saying, “Dearest Donald, you have the good sense to know what your mother likes. The chicken was delicious.”

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NCField&FamilySummer2026
Flip through the pages of the Summer 2026 edition of North Carolina Field and Family magazine. In this issue, find vineyard adventures at U-pick muscadine grape farms, explore the oasis of Manteo, learn more about on-farm markets, enjoy peak berry season with summer berry recipes, read about riveting research on hemp fiber and so much more.

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