My mother always asked me, “What part of your body’s most important?”

For years, I always guess the answer I think is right. When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans, so I said, “My ears, Mommy.” But, it was not the answer.

“No, son. Many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I ask you again soon.”

A few years later, I tried to answer, before she asked me again. Since the first answer, now I’m sure the answer must be right this time. So this time I told. “Mommy, sight is very important for everybody, so it must be our eyes.”

She looked at me and said, “You are learning fast, but the answer is wrong because many people are blind.”

Stumped again, I continued my quest for the answer and over the years, Mother asked me several times and always her answer, “Not. But you are getting smarter every year, my son.”

Then last year, my grandfather died. All the family sad. Everybody was crying. In fact, my father cry. I remember that because that’s the second time I saw him cry. My mother looked at me when it came my turn to say goodbye to my grandfather.

She asked me, “Do you know what parts of the body’s most important, dear?”

I was shocked when she asked at a time like this. I always thought this was a game between her and me. She saw the confusion on my face and told, “This question is important. This would indicate that you have truly” alive “.

For every body part you gave me in the past, I always told you was wrong and I have told you why. But, today is the day you have got a very important lesson. “She looked at me with a motherly face. I saw her eyes filled with water. She said,” My dear, the most important body part is your shoulder. “

I asked, “Is it because it holds the head?”

She replied, “No, but because it can hold the head of a friend or loved one when they cry. Sometimes in life, everyone needs a shoulder to cry. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it. “

Finally, I know. The most important body part is not being selfish. However, sympathy for the suffering experienced by others.