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My mother used to ask me what is the most important part of
the body. Through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was
the correct answer. 
When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us
as humans, so I said, "My ears, Mommy." She said, 'No. Many people are
deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon.' 
Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making
my first attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer. So this time I
told her, 'Mommy, sight is very important to everybody, so it must be
our eyes.' 
She looked at me and told me, 'You are learning fast, but the
answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind.' 
Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge and over
the years, Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was
'No, but you are getting smarter every year, my child.' 
Then last year, my Grandpa died. Everybody was hurt.
Everybody was crying. Even my father cried. My Mom looked at me when it
was our turn to say our final good-bye to Grandpa. She asked me, 'Do you
know the most important body part yet, my dear?' 
I was shocked when she asked me this now. I always thought
this was a game between her and me. She saw the confusion on my face and
told me. 'This question is very important. It shows that you have really
lived your life. 
For every body part you gave me in the past, I have told you
was wrong and I have given you an example why. But today is the day you
need to learn this important lesson. 
She looked down at me as only a mother can. I saw her eyes
well up with tears. She said, 'My dear, the most important body part is
your shoulder' 
I asked, 'Is it because it holds up your head?' She replied,
'No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or loved one when
they cry. 
Everybody, need a shoulder to cry on sometime in life, my
dear. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that you will
have a shoulder to cry on when you need it.' 
Then and there I knew the most important body part is not a
selfish one. It is sympathetic to the pain of others. | 
