Morris calls his son in NY and says, Benny, I have something to tell you. However, I dont want to discuss it. Im merely telling you because youre my oldest child, and I thought you ought to know. Ive made up my mind, Im divorcing Mama.

The son is shocked, and asks his father to tell him what happened.

I dont want to get into it. My mind is made up.

But Dad, you just cant decide to divorce Mama just like that after 54 years together. What happened?

Its too painful to talk about it. I only called because youre my son, and I thought you should know. I really dont want to get into it anymore than this. You can call your sister and tell her. It will spare me the pain.

But wheres Mama? Can I talk to her?

No, I dont want you to say anything to her about it. I havent told her yet. Believe me it hasnt been easy. Ive agonized over it for several days, and Ive finally come to a decision. I have an appointment with the lawyer the day after tomorrow.

Dad, dont do anything rash. Im going to take the first flight down. Promise me that you wont do anything until I get there.

Well, all right, I promise. Next week is Passover. Ill hold off seeing the lawyer until after the Seder. Call your sister in NJ and break the news to her. I just cant bear to talk about it anymore.

A half hour later, Morris receives a call from his daughter who tells him that she and her brother were able to get tickets and that they and the children will be arriving in Florida the day after tomorrow.

Benny told me that you dont want to talk about it on the telephone, but promise me that you wont do anything until we both get there.

Morris promises. After hanging up from his daughter, Morris turns to his wife and says, Well, it worked this time, but we are going to have to come up with a new idea to get them here for Rosh Hashanah.