[Pseudonym]

The four Drago brothers, Bill, Hank, Chuck and Michaelis left home to find their fame and fortune ... and they became successful wizards and bards and paladins and the like and all 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 Belinara.

Bill said, "I had a big house built for Mama."
Hank said, "I had a hundred thousand true stage built in the house. She loves music."
Chuck said, "I had my friend in Orc's Watch deliver the finest steed money could buy."
Michaelis said, "Listen to this. You know how Mama loved reading the Word of Toran and you know she can't read it anymore because she can't see very well. I met this priest in the new Cathedral who told me about a parrot that can recite the entire dogma. It took twenty clerics 12 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute 100,000 true a year for twenty years to the church, 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. Bloody Michaelis, no wonder he was a WL.

After the holidays Mama Drago sent out her Thank You notes. She wrote:

"Bill, the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks anyway."

"Hank, you give me an expensive stage with fine musicians, it is fir for royalty, 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."

"Chuck, I am too old to travel. I stay at home; I have my food delivered, so I never use the horse. The thought was good. Thanks."

"Dearest Michaelis, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift. The chicken was delicious. Thank you."