An elderly homeless guy and a wealthy man met outside one bitterly cold night. He was asked, “I see you don’t have a winter coat, you’re not cold,” by the wealthy as he halted.

After giving him a long look, the elderly guy said, “I don’t, but I’m used to it.” Surprised by the response he got, the wealthy guy remarked to him, “Wait for me! I’m heading home now, and when I get there, I’ll bring you a warm coat for the evening.The old man’s face brightened as he cheerfully assured him that he would stay and would be waiting for him. As soon as he stepped inside, the wealthy guy forgot the elderly man’s pledge. When he woke up in the morning, he thought about the poor man and hurried out to find him. Sadly, the cold had claimed the elderly man’s life.

The old guy left a message, which the wealthy discovered. “When I didn’t have heavy clothing, I could withstand the cold because I was accustomed to it, but when you said you would assist me, I became attached to your word and found it difficult to resist.”

Moral: Never make a promise you can’t keep, not even one based on love. That could mean nothing to you, but it might mean everything to someone else!