An old lady had three grown-up sons. Each of them bought her a present for her milestone birthday.
The first son, who had done well in life, bought her a beautiful big house.
The second son bought her a fabulous big car.
The third son knew his mother was very devout. After searching for something special, he found a rare parrot that could recite the entire Bible and explain all of its prophecies.
The parrot was in Madagascar and very expensive. After much thought, he sold his house and car to travel and buy it for her.
Sometime later, the old lady wrote letters to her sons.
To the first son she wrote, thanking him for the lovely big house but saying it was too big for her.
She said she would sell it and buy a smaller one.
To the second son she wrote, thanking him for the car but saying it was too large and she would exchange it for something smaller.
To the third son she wrote, saying he knew what was closest to her heart. She thanked him for the chicken, saying it was delicious.