Money Can’t Buy Everything

Nick was a 10 year old boy. He was the only son to his parents. Nick’s
father was a very busy businessman who could not spend time with
his son. He came home after Nick slept, and was off to office
before Nick woke up in the morning. Nick yearned for his father’s
attention. He wanted to go outdoors and play with his father just
like his friends did.
One day, Nick was surprised to see his father at home in the
evening.
“Dad, it is a big surprise to see you at home,” Nick said.
“Yes son, my meeting was cancelled. So, I’m at home. But after two
hours I have to catch a flight,” his father replied.
“When will you be back?”
“Tomorrow noon.”
Nick was in deep thought for a while. Then he asked, “Dad, how much
do you earn in a year?”
Nick’s father was taken aback. He said, “My dear son, it’s a very big
amount and you won’t be able to understand it.”
“Ok dad, are you happy with the amount you earn? ”Yes my dear. I’m
very happy, and in fact I’m planning to launch our new branch and a
new business in a few months. Isn’t that great?”
“Yes, dad. I’m happy to hear that. Can I ask you one more question?”
“Yes, dear.”
“Dad, can you tell me how much you earn in a day or even half a day?”
“Nick, why are you asking this question?” Nick’s father was
perplexed.
But Nick was persistent. “Please answer me. Can you please tell me
how much you earn in an hour?”
Nick’s father gave in and replied, “It will be around $ 25/- per hour.”

Nick ran to his room upstairs, and came down with his piggy bank
that contained his savings.
“Dad, I have $50 in my piggy bank. Can you spare two hours for me?
I want to go to the beach and have dinner with you tomorrow
evening. Can you please mark this in your schedule?”
Nick’s father was speechless! And had tears in his eyes.
The greatest gift a parent can give his child is time. Money can’t buy
everything!
King Midas and the Golden Touch

Once there lived a king named Midas. He was a fair King, and he
ruled his kingdom wisely. The people were prosperous and
content. The King had one little daughter called marigold, whom he
loved dearly. 

One day, as King Midas was returning to his palace, he found Silenus
wandering alone, close to the border. “Come and stay with us,” Midas
said. Midas brought him to his palace and treated him very well.
“Please eat as much as you like and stay as long as you need my
friend!” said Midas warmly.

Silenus’s friend, the god Dionysus who was watching this, appeared
and said “You have been so kind to my friend. Please allow me to
grant you a wish! I would be happy to give you anything you desire.”

King Midas was very excited. “Wow, that’s great! Well, I have
everything I need. But often I wonder how much happier I could be
if I was richer. If you please, I would like more gold. I would like
everything I touch to turn to gold!”

“Well, from sunrise tomorrow morning your slightest touch will turn
everything into gold” said Dionysus.

Midas was very excited. He could barely sleep that night. The next
morning, he woke up and remembered his wish. He eagerly touched
his fingertips to his bed. Crack! His sheets turned into gleaming,
golden pieces. Midas whooped with delight. Then he touched his
pillow and couches, everything turned into beautiful yellow gold. He
rushed out of the palace, ran round the garden and touched
everything he could see. “Now I can be the richest man in the world,
hahaha,” King Midas laughed happily.

Soon, he was hungry. He hurried back to have his breakfast. When

he pulled a bunch of grapes to eat, ‘Crack!’, the grapes turned into
gold. “Oh dear,” said Midas. Then, he grasped a goblet of water and
even the liquid turned to solid under his touch. Whatever food he
touched to eat, turned into gold. He pushed back his golden chair in
disappointment.

“Oh, What have I done? How foolish I have been!” he cried. 

Just then, his little daughter came running into the room and hugged
him. The princess immediately turned into a golden statue. “Oh, no!
No! Please! I do not want gold anymore!” he cried. He started to
become afraid to touch anything. He immediately ran to Dionysus. He
knelt down on the floor and begged him to undo his wish.

“Please change my wish! Please! Please take away your boon! I want
my dear daughter back.” Midas asked.

“Are you sure you no longer wish to have the golden touch?” asked
Dionysus.

“No. I have learned my lesson; I don’t think gold is the greatest

thing in the world."

Finally, Dionysus said “Go to the river and sprinkle some of that
water on everything that had transformed into gold. They will
become normal again.

The king rushed to the river, filled a pitcher with the water from
that river, he sprinkled it on marigold. Instantly, she returned to
her normal. King Midas cried tears of joy and hugged marigold
tightly. Then, he went around the palace, sprinkling water on
everything he had touched. They turned back to their original form.

Ladies and gentleman, do you learn anything from the story? People
who want to get everything all at once usually end up getting nothing
in life. So, don’t be greedy in life, be happy with what you have.
Thank you.