Caring for Mother

Three brothers had long left their childhood home to seek their fortunes in the world, and all three had become successful. One day, they happened to meet again during a business trip and checked into the same hotel. As they talked, they shared their stories of success and how much money they had earned. Then the conversation turned to their mother, and they proudly told each other what they had done for her with their wealth.

“I recently had a large house built for her,” said the eldest brother. “You know how much Mother always loved a beautiful home. She must be so happy with such a magnificent house.”

 “I had a huge garden planted for her,” said the second brother. “Now she can enjoy her own fruits and vegetables. You know how much she loves fresh produce.”

And the youngest said, “You know how she used to love reading, but now her eyesight isn’t what it used to be. So I bought her a special parrot trained to read aloud. For twenty years, expert trainers worked with the bird so it can read any book perfectly. All she has to do is hand it a book, and it reads every word aloud.” 

“Let’s send her a message,” one of them suggested. “She’ll be so happy to hear from us and to tell us how well she’s doing.” During their stay at the hotel, they received a letter from their mother:

My dear sons,

For years I’ve waited with love and longing for a letter or a phone call from you. I was truly touched and surprised to receive your lovely note. I’m so happy to know that you are all doing well! To my eldest: thank you for the beautiful house. If I were to live in it, I’d be cleaning all day long and still never finish. So I stayed in my little home where I feel at ease. Unfortunately, the view is now gone blocked by the big house. To my second son: thank you for the enormous garden. But I can no longer pull weeds or water the plants it's too much work. The garden has become a small forest, and vegetables no longer grow. The fruits are for the birds because I can't reach them. Luckily, the weekly market in the village sells fresh produce that’s much easier for me.To my youngest: thank you most of all for the bird. You, at least, seem to understand what an old woman truly needs. I roasted the little chicken right away. It was delicious, though I wish it had a bit more meat on it. I wish you all the best, and I hope you grow very, very old. With love,

Your Mother

Reflection

This story painfully reveals the deep misunderstanding that can exist between generations. The three sons, though well-intentioned, see the world through their own youthful, successful, and materialistic lens. They give expensive gifts that, instead of helping, complicate their mother’s life.The mother old and wise longs for simplicity, peace, and true connection. Not possessions, but presence.
The story holds up a mirror: do we truly listen to the older people in our lives, or do we project our own ideas onto their needs?