The Rich Son

There was a young boy. He lived with his very well-to-do Father in a great house. He was given everything he needed in life no matter what the cost.

He had private schooling, the best teachers and all the education that money could buy as his Father Loved him dearly and wanted only what was best for him.

He had finished high-school and was attending college nearing graduation with the highest grades in all his classes. His Father was oh so proud.

One day, he was walking downtown with his Father and passed an automotive dealer. There, he saw a beautiful sports car. A fire-engine red Porsche with extra-wide tires for traction and all the electronics available on the market today. After they took a look at it and began walking away, he stretched his neck all the way down the sidewalk not wanting to take his eyes off this gorgeous car.

Every day that passed, nearing graduation, he constantly hinted to his Father how he wanted such a beautiful car. He talked about it avidly; beautiful color that glistened in the light; shiny leather seats and, again, all the electronic gadgetry anyone could ever want.

Graduation day came and his Father “beamed” throughout the ceremony. They went out for a celebration dinner and came back home.

When they arrived, his Father pulled him into his den and sat him before his great desk. On it, a little box wrapped in red paper and topped with a bow. The son surely thought, “Oh, the key must be in that box!”

He handed his son the box with a smile and he eagerly ripped the paper away. In the box he found a book, “How to Achieve Success in Your Business.”

The son became angry and simply stared at the book. “This is it? This is all I get for all my studying and hard work? A book? I was expecting so much more than this!”

He threw the book down on the floor as he became even angrier. He couldn’t even look his Father in the face. He stormed down the hallway and into his bedroom… gathered all his belongings and left the house for good never even giving his Father a chance to explain.

The years passed, and the son became successful as well. It had been some 30 years and, despite his Father’s best efforts, he had ignored and avoided him all this time.

The son later received word that his Father had passed. He had left him all his possessions as well as the great house, so he set out back to where he was raised to gather his fortune.

When he arrived, he walked into the den where he had last spoken with his Father. He shuffled idly through the papers on his Father’s desk and then walked to the credenza near the bookshelves. There, he found the book… the one his Father had given him for his graduation. This happened to bring tears to his eyes as he regretted ignoring his Father for so long.

He opened the cover and began reading. First page, second, third and further through the book. As he turned the 15^th page, he discovered a hole in the book. In the hole, wrapped tenderly with a little red ribbon and accompanied by a card, was a key. He opened the card and it read:

“To my Loving Son whom I treasure and adore, here is the key to the car you so deservingly earned. I hope you have many happy experiences and treasure it as I do you!

With great Love, Honor and Respect, Your Dad”

The son began to weep great tears as, all of these years, he had missed-out on his Father’s everlasting Love over a simple misunderstanding.

Take heed from this little lesson and never let a simple misunderstanding or argument take away from the Love you will receive and lessons you will learn from your parents.