I came across a letter to the editor by Anita Kilbridge-Jones that appeared on Times of Malta on April 18, 2007.

It still moves me eight years on. This is how it goes.

“A story dropped into my lap this week, courtesy of my precious daughter in law, Juanita, the contents of which are so poignant, so relevant and so urgent today that it deserves immediate sharing with other readers. I quote:

“A man came home from work late, tired and irritated to find his seven-year-old son waiting for him at the door. Daddy may I ask you a question? Yes, sure, what is it, replied the man.

“Daddy, how much do you get paid each hour? That’s none of your business, why do you ask such an impertinent question, the man said angrily. I just want to know, so, please, tell me, pleaded the little boy.

“If you must know, I make $20 an hour, replied the father and now please go to your room, he continued. Dad, may I please borrow $10?, the boy went on. The father was furious.

“Stay in your room, he ordered. The little fellow complied and gently closed his bedroom door.

“After a good meal, the father got sorry and, going to the child’s room, asked: Are you awake son? I’ve been thinking I was too hard on you, so, here are your, $10. The little boy jumped for joy and, reaching under his pillow, pulled out a roll of notes.

“Daddy, I now have $20, he yelled. Can I buy an hour ofyour time?

“Please, please, come home early tomorrow, I would like to have dinner with you.

“ In the immortal words of the Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran: ‘What do you give, if you do not give of your time?’.”