The Appreciated Gift

Four Jewish 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 with a 
chauffeur." 

The fourth said, "Listen to this. You know how Mama loved reading the 
Torah and you know she can't read it anymore because she can't see very  
well. I met this Rabbi who told me about a parrot that can recite the 
entire Torah. It took twenty rabbis 12 years to teach him. I had to 
pledge to contribute $100,000 a year for twenty years to the temple, 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...and the driver you hired is a Nazi.  
The thought was good. Thanks." 

"Menachim, 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."