The Phone Call


Morris calls his son in NY and says, "Benny, I have something to tell
you. However, I don't want to discuss it. I'm merely telling you because
you're my oldest child, and I thought you ought to know. I've made up
my mind, I'm divorcing Mama."

The son is shocked, and asks his father to tell him what happened.

"I don't want to get into it. My mind is made up."

"But Dad, you just can't decide to divorce Mama just like that after
54 years together. What happened?"

"It's too painful to talk about it. I only called because you're my
son, and I thought you should know. I really don't want to get into
it anymore than this. You can call your sister and tell her. It will
spare me the pain."

"But where's Mama? Can I talk to her?"

"No, I don't want you to say anything to her about it. I haven't
told her yet. Believe me it hasn't been easy. I've agonized over it
for several days, and I've finally come to a decision. I have an
appointment with the lawyer the day after tomorrow."

"Dad, don't do anything rash. I'm going to take the first flight down.
Promise me that you won't do anything until I get there."

"Well, all right, I promise. Next week is Passover. I'll hold off
seeing the lawyer until after the Seder. Call your sister in NJ and
break the news to her. I just can't bear to talk about it anymore."

A half hour later, Morris receives a call from his daughter who tells
him that she and her brother were able to get tickets and that they
and the children will be arriving in Florida the day after tomorrow.
"Benny told me that you don't want to talk about it on the telephone,
but promise me that you won't do anything until we both get there."

Morris promises. After hanging up from his daughter, Morris turns to
his wife and says, "Well, it worked this time, but what are we going to
do next Yom Tov to get them to come down?"