We all have relatives. If your family is big enough, there are usually a few wealthy ones among themfolk who are rarely particularly liked by the rest of the family, who envy their prosperity. Nevertheless, whenever theres a celebration, such relatives always get an invite, in hopes of getting a costly present from them. In my family, there are a few like that as well. I remember an incident at a wedding five years ago to which I was invited. My third cousins nephew was getting married. The wealthy side of the brides familyrather distant relationswere on the guest list as well.
Its quite common for people to think, Lets invite the richer relatives; perhaps well get a nice, expensive gift. Especially when its a wedding, expectations run high. The wedding was in full swing, the whole house brimming with guests, the newlyweds beaming. The well-off relativesa married couplewere running late and finally arrived just as the presents were being handed out.
A lady seated next to me quietly remarked, Lets see what happens now. I have a feeling the grooms mother wont be thrilled with their gift, and the young couple probably even less so.
Her words caught me by surprise. Whys that? I asked. Does it really matter what sort of gift it is?
Soon enough, it was time for the wealthy relations to present their gift to the bride and groom. They gave their envelope to the master of ceremonies first. When he opened it, the entire room fell silent. I couldnt help but wonderwhat could it be? Keys to a flat, perhaps? A new car? Tickets for a foreign holiday? Or a tidy sum in cash? The master of ceremonies then whispered to me what the envelope contained. At once, the grooms mother counted the money and glanced at the wealthy relations with a puzzled look.
Thats it? After being invited to the wedding? Youve got a pricey car and your own chauffeur. And yet your gift is something a beggar would give.
Without a word, the relatives calmly picked the envelope back up and remarked, If youre not happy with our present, give it to someone else. And with that, they simply walked out of the wedding.
You shouldve seen iteveryone burst out laughing, myself included.
Later, I heard that these rich relations are only ever invited to weddings and parties for the hope of a lavish gift. But how much did they give the newlyweds before taking it back? Well, it was enough for a weeks holiday, staying in a nice hotel. Personally, I think thats a fantastic present, especially given how distant the relatives were. But, for some reason, the grooms mother thought it was a paupers gift.
