My older brother, who’s in his 70s, was lying on the operating table waiting for surgery.
He had one very specific request:
He wanted his son, a renowned surgeon, to perform the operation.
Right before the anesthesia kicked in, he looked at his son and said,
“Son, can I talk to you for a second?”
“Sure, Dad. What is it?”
His father smiled reassuringly.
“Don’t be nervous, son. Do your very best.”
The surgeon nodded.
Then Dad added,
“And remember… if the operation doesn’t go well, and something happens to me…”
The son leaned closer.
“…your mother is moving in with you and your wife.”
The surgeon suddenly sat up straight.
“Anesthesia, please! I’m ready!”
The nurses exchanged nervous looks.
Apparently, Dad had found the one thing stronger than medical training:
A son’s fear of having Mom move in.
