A rich father tests his two sons before leaving $2.8 million to his older son and $1 to his spendthrift younger son.
Parenting is the hardest job in the world, and you don’t know how well you did until your kids grow up. Despite his business success, Clark Hanson believed he had failed as a parent.
His youngest son Gerald was a spendthrift, thoughtless, and selfish, whereas his oldest son Court was calm, sober, and hardworking. Clark often wondered what he had done wrong with Gerald and how he might fix it now.
Clark hired his 26-year-old son in his mailroom as his first move in encouraging Gerald to work hard. Gerald gazed around the mailroom and looked at his father in amazement.
“You want me to do WHAT?” he asked.
“You will be separating the mail and delivering it to the people it was sent to,” Clark explained. “And you’ll start at 9:00.”
A second chance could be your last.
Gerald seemed lost. “At 9:00? That’s impossible! My personal trainer arrives at 10:00, followed by tennis after lunch, he said. “That won’t work, dad!”
“Yes it will,” Clark responded confidently. Because I’m paying for the personal trainer, meals, and tennis pro, and I won’t anymore. Soon, you’ll have lots of free time.”
Gerald was outraged, but Clark wouldn’t budge. Gerald pushed past his secretary and entered his father’s office without knocking after a week in the mailroom.
“I’ve had enough!” he declared, waving his weekly paycheck. “I worked like a slave all week for this?”
Clark examined his paycheck thoughtfully. “That looks about right!” he replied.
“Why can’t I have Court’s job?” Gerry demanded. Earns a fortune!
“Court has a degree in economics, Gerald,” Clark remarked. “What was your major? Oh! Indeed! You quit…”
Gerald writhed. “Maybe I haven’t been diligent, dad, but I have skills!”
Clark asked, “What skills, exactly?”
“I’m good with people, and I know many celebrities,” Gerald added. “I can handle press… Maybe PR?”
Clark considered. “You’re right, Gerald. There may be an option. I’ll sponsor a UNICEF benefit, he said. I want to have a celebrity auction.I want you to organize a celebrity auction, and your success will show me your potential. Remember, Gerald, this is your final chance. Stop failing yourself.”
You mean ‘don’t fail me,’ right? asked Gerald.
Clark answered, “No, I mean that your future is at stake, so think before you mess up,” and led his son out of his office.
Clark followed Gerald’s fundraiser planning for two months. Donated items from celebs arrived soon.
Clark felt secret relief as the auction looked good. Gerald may have only needed to focus on his strengths and knowledge!
Gerald booked a fancy setting, a lavish meal, and the best champagne, which Clark’s company would pay for. He booked a famous vocalist before the auction.
The auction was a big success and raised more money than Clark imagined since the rich and famous came to buy celebrity artifacts.
However, the event cost at least $170,000 more than he planned. Clark thought, “That’s a lot of money…” “This warrants a closer look.”
Clark had his secretary compile all UNICEF event receipts, which added up, but something felt odd. He examined the singer’s fee receipt endorsed to Talent Incorporated.
“Diane,” Clark told his secretary. I’d like to ask the auction girl who sang how much she charged.
Diane arrived to Clark’s office an hour later, pallid. “Mr. Hanson,” she said. We paid her nothing. She contributed to the cause.
Clark felt like his world had collapsed. He whispered, “She didn’t charge anything?”
“No, sir,” Diane responded, crying. Clark called all the vendors, suppliers, and caterers over the next few days and discovered Gerald had wanted 20% cash kickbacks. Gerald took advantage of his second chance!
Clark didn’t tell Gerald, but he had an announcement during the family meal on Sunday. Clark stood up with his wine glass after eating.
He grinned at his sons. “Court, Gerald, I’m sixty-two, and I’ll pass the baton one day. I worry about more than retirement. I want my legacy in good hands and my money dispersed evenly among my sons after I die.”
Court looked angry as Gerald smirked. Dad, you know I loathe that kind of discourse!
“I know, son,” Clark responded softly. I want you and Gerald to know what to expect. I had my solicitors write a new will yesterday. In court, you will receive corporation shares, but not the money. My wealth, you as the eldest will receive $2.8 million, and Gerald, one dollar.”
Gerald frowned. Dad, what did you say?
Clark grinned. I told your inheritance will be $1.
Gerald jumped. He said, “What is this?” You’ve done what?
“Calm down, my dear Gerald,” Clark murmured. “Remember, I warned you that the charity event was your last chance…”
“I did well!” Gerald objected. “We raised millions for kids!”
“Yes you did a great job,” Clark remarked. “Especially for pocket money. I trusted you, but you stole. Consider your inheritance.”
Clark never changed his mind or will, no matter how often Gerald cried and begged him to change.
What can this story teach us?
A second chance could be your last. Gerald was startled when his father didn’t forgive him for embezzling.
Integrity runs in the family. You can nurture a child with love and set excellent examples, but they decide who they are.
Tell your friends about this. It may inspire and cheer them up.