The Rich Man

Looking for a short motivational story? The Rich Man is a true story, told as a parable, that teaches the real value of family and joy.

This story appears in: The House That Built A Man… and Other Tales

MINNETONKA, MN – Today we travel from our offices in Winona, Minnesota, to the suburbs of Minneapolis for a true story that happened to a family here in the Midwest. Told as a parable, we hope this real-life story of one local family will bring a smile to your face. If you enjoy reading heartwarming tales like this, be sure to check out our Feel-Good Stories books or listen to Kitty’s daily Feel-Good Stories podcast. And now, on to the story of The Rich Man…

In a serene countryside, nestled among rolling hills, was a small, cozy cottage where the Blanco family lived. Despite their modest means, the Blancos found immense joy in simple pleasures. The family included gentle-hearted James, a farmer, his wife Maria, a lover of nature and crafts, and their two children, young Ethan and Rosie. One radiant summer morning – with the sun casting a golden glow over the Blancos’ humble abode – James and Ethan worked outside.

They tended to their vegetable garden, their hands coated with the earth they cherished. “You see, Ethan,” James said, wiping sweat from his brow, “these tomatoes might not be as perfect as ones in the big stores, but they’re ours. Grown with love and hard work.”

Ethan smiled proudly and replied, “I like our tomatoes better, Dad. They taste like sunshine.”

Meanwhile, inside the cottage, Maria and Rosie were baking bread. The aroma filled the house with warmth and comfort. “Mama, why does our bread always taste so good?” Rosie asked as she shaped the dough with her small hands.

Maria chuckled, “Because we make it together, my dear. It’s filled with our laughter and love.”

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In the evening, the family gathered around their old wooden table, laden with their garden’s produce and homemade bread. They shared stories and dreams under the soft glow of the lantern, their laughter echoing into the night.

Mr. Richardson, a wealthy businessman from the city, had heard of a dependable, hard-working farmer outside of town. A staff person who believed the man’s work ethic would be an asset to his company recommended him for a new position opening up. Mr. Richardson decided to take the scenic drive to the man’s farm to see for himself.

As the Blanco children played outside, a sleek car pulled up. A well-dressed man stepped out, introducing himself as Mr. Richardson, a wealthy businessman. He told the family he had heard of James’s work ethic and offered their dad a job in the city, promising riches and comfort.

The family gathered that night, the offer hanging heavy in the air. “We could have a bigger house, and new clothes, and you kids could go to a better school,” James Blanco said, his voice soft and thoughtful.

“But will we be happy?” Ethan asked, his innocent question cutting through the dreams of material wealth.

“I love our home,” Maria added. “It’s where our heart is.”

James and Maria exchanged glances, their decision clear in their eyes.

The next day, James politely declined the offer. Mr. Richardson, puzzled, asked why. “Because,” James began, “we’ve realized that we’re rich in ways money can’t buy.”

Mr. Richardson was shocked by James Blanco’s refusal. The salary he was offering was very generous. It was more than enough to buy the family anything they wanted!

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Haunted by James’ words, Mr. Richardson returned to his vast city estate. As he entered, the absence of a family greeting struck him. “Hello, I’m home! Where is everyone?” he called out. Wandering through the sprawling hallway, which branched off into numerous rooms, Mr. Richardson noticed the loud echo of his footsteps in the cavernous space for the first time.

He found Brayden, his son, in the large family room, absorbed in a videogame. “Brayden! Didn’t you hear me? I’m home!” he exclaimed.

Brayden barely acknowledged him, mumbling, “Oh, okay,” before refocusing on his game.

Mr. Richardson felt a sting of hurt. He reflected on his visit to the Blancos where, despite the lack of video games or a spacious room, laughter, chatter, and warmth filled their home. All things that were conspicuously missing in his own.

He looked around his sprawling mansion, surrounded by extravagant possessions he had worked a lifetime to secure, and felt empty inside.

The evening progressed, each moment feeling like a stale attempt at happiness. Dinner, hastily prepared in the microwave and eaten while watching TV, tasted like cardboard to Mr. Richardson. He daydreamed about the juicy red apples at the Blancos’ farm, so heavy that they bent the branches downward.

His family ate in silence, eyes fixed on the television screen. Mr. Richardson thought, ‘We have TV screens in every room, but the Blancos have imagination to tell stories and the stars in the night sky to fuel their dreams.’ He felt dazed by this realization.

Shortly after dinner, his wife and daughter excused themselves to swim in their sparkling pool, enclosed by a tall privacy fence. He looked out the French doors at the sparkling pool water. His wife and daughter lounged on chairs, taking selfies in bikinis.

They didn’t even seem to notice the water.

As much as he tried, Mr. Richardson couldn’t shake the image of the Blanco family from his mind.

Our backyard is fenced to keep people away, thought Mr. Richardson, but the Blancos welcome everyone as neighbors. Their land is alive with the sounds of nature – birds chirping, cats prowling, dogs barking, and farm animals. Mr. Richardson realized the Blanco’s farm didn’t feel like a backyard but an entire community.

Mr. Richardson took a deep breath and sat on a chair his wife had imported from Morocco. He absentmindedly traced the woven fabric’s patterns with his finger, his mind was racing. It dawned on him why the Blancos had declined his offer. Their love and contentment were indeed their greatest treasures. They didn’t need money; they were already rich.

Richer than he could ever be.

With a heavy heart yet determined resolve, Mr. Richardson knew he had to make a change. His family deserved the life he’d always envisioned for them: one of happiness and love.

He now realized he had a better gift to give than money.

That evening, Brayden was engrossed in a videogame in front of the large-screen television. Mr. Richardson entered the room, a baseball mitt in hand, his eyes filled with hopeful anticipation. “Brayden, can we play some catch outside?” he asked.

Brayden looked up, surprise etched on his face. “You mean, right now? Go outside?”

“Yes, Bray.”

The boy hesitated, caught off guard. “But you never want to play with me.”

Images of the Blanco family – their laughter, their affection, their simple yet joyful life – flashed through Mr. Richardson’s mind. He gazed at his son, then the videogame, and made a heartfelt decision. “You know what, buddy? I realized something today,” he said, gently turning off the television with a kind smile. “I realized I’ve always wanted to play with you. In fact, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Really?” Brayden’s face lit up with joy.

“Really.”

As they walked outside, Mr. Richardson realized that these moments were the ones that truly mattered – not the immaculate house or the unbelievable amounts of money, but the precious time spent with those he loved.

Written by Kitty Norton. © 2024 Jack and Kitty Norton. Reprinted by permission of Jack and Kitty Media Group. In order to protect the rights of the copyright holder, no portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent. All rights reserved.