“But…but…That’s not fair!” screamed Wesley and stormed upstairs. He ordered a pizza and it cost him $15 plus the delivery fee and the tip. Wesley worked out that he’d have to work three whole days to pay for that pizza. Being an independent man was expensive!

The next morning he came down for breakfast to find his mother making bacon and eggs and it smelled delicious. “Hi mom,” he said sweetly, “can I have my eggs over easy?”

“Sure, son!” she smiled. “That will be $6 for breakfast!”

“You’re charging me for breakfast?” cried Wesley angrily. “That’s not fair!”

But Wesley was in for another surprise. “Dad,” Wesley said, “our coach said we have to have new team jerseys and it will cost $69,99.”

“I see,” said his dad smiling. “But why are you telling me this?”

“Well, so you can give me the money!” said Wesley.

“But, Wesley,” his dad said, still smiling, “now that you’re earning money, you pay for your own expenses, and that includes clothes. I thought you knew that.”

“I don’t have that kind of money!” cried Wesley. “Where am I supposed to get $70?”

“Save it up from your what you earn, of course. It’s what we do!” dad said.

Wesley was stunned. Not only would he have to feed himself, but he’d also have to buy his own clothes? This wasn’t what he’d imagined when he’d demanded payment for his chores. “Well, OK,” he said. “Listen, dad, could you give me a ride to school? I’m a bit late…”

“Sure, son!” his dad smiled. “That will be $5.50.”

“You’re going to charge me for a ride to school?” Wesley gasped.

“Sure, after all, you’d pay a taxi, wouldn’t you?” his dad pointed out reasonably.

“But you’re my DAD!” cried Wesley. “And you’re charging me?”

“Oh Wesley, dear,” said his mother sweetly. “That reminds me! That will be $12.50 for washing and ironing your clothes.”

Wesley walked to school and was late. At lunchtime, he ate the cafeteria food with great gusto. He wondered when he’d taste his mother’s meatloaf again, or her mac and cheese, or her amazing Irish stew…

That night, Wesley came down at dinnertime looking despondent. His parents were having dinner and it smelled delicious. Wesley’s stomach rumbled. “Mom, dad?” he said quietly. “Can we talk?”

“Sure son,” said his father. “What’s on your mind?”

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry about that payment thing. I guess I never thought about everything you two do for me every day, and you never ask for anything in return.”

“We were hoping you’d realize that, Wesley. Everything we do for you, we do out of love, not obligation or duty,” his mother said.

“I know, mom, I’m so sorry,” Wesley whispered, and his eyes filled with tears.

Wesley’s dad got up and put his arms around him. “Son, in this family we do all we can to help each other, to make all our lives easier and better. That’s what being a family is all about, and we were hoping you’d understand that.”

Wesley’s mom gave him a hug too and said, “So how about some dinner? I made cottage pie and green beans — your favorite!”

That night, Wesley had one of the nicest evenings ever with his parents, and he learned one of the most important lessons: to appreciate all that his parents do for him and to do his part in helping his family.

What can we learn from this story?

1. Love doesn’t demand payment.

2. A family works as a unit to make their collective lives better.

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