Three brothers moved out, built successful lives, and later came together to share what they had given their mother for her 90th birthday. The first proudly said, “I built Mom a huge house.” The second added, “I sent her a Tesla with a driver.” The third grinned and said, “I outdid both of you. You know how much she loves the Bible but struggles to see now.”

“I gave her a trained brown parrot that can recite the entire Bible. It took 20 monks 12 years to train, and I pledged to donate $100,000 annually for ten years. But it was worth it—she just has to say a chapter and verse, and the parrot recites it.” Not long after, their mother sent thank-you notes:

To her first son: “Gerard, the house is massive. I only use one room, but I have to clean the whole thing!” To her second: “Howard, I’m too old to go anywhere. I stay home all the time, so the Tesla is useless—and the driver is rude!” And to her third: “Dearest Norman, you were the only one who truly understood what I enjoy. That little bird was delicious!”