My Brother in law and other Stories
By Johnny Novera

Is this good advice?

We used to hear mass on Sundays in a small chapel of a seminary operated by a foreign congregation  that specializes in the training of Filipino priests for missionary assignments abroad. You will be surprised that the priest is a white foreigner but speaks Ilonggo almost like a native.

One thing more, when the mass ends, he makes himself available outside the main entrance to the chapel so that he can greet everyone after the mass, even exchange a word or two with some churchgoers, as they leave.

"How are your children? Are they now all on their own?" He greeted me one Sunday morning after attending the mass.

Well, they are fine, Father.  they are now all finished and have their respective careers or business.  I replied.

"I mean do they have now their own families?" he continued.

No, Father, not yet all.  Only three have, while four are not yet married.

"How come?  Maybe you are too good to them."  he said.

Why, of course Father, I am very good to all of them.  Certainly, they are my children.  Well what's wrong with  that?   I sort of got curious.

"Now, let me explain," he said. "If you are too good to your children always, then they will not think anymore of leaving you. May I advice that now and then you should scold them too!"