Tiago’s birthday was coming up and he was very anxious about it. He could only think of the party promised to him by his mother.

He was going to be seven years old. He made a guest list for his party, thinking about all the presents he would get. He just wanted to invite his rich friends.

His mother Louise watched him carefully from the distance.

Tiago wanted his house to be decorated beautifully for the party. Besides, hot-dogs, he wanted sweets, a big cake and soft drinks.  

Two days before his birthday, the bell rang. Some of his relatives were arriving, but Tiago didn’t like them too much. Louise said kindly, as soon as she saw her cousin with her children at the front door:

— Berta, it’s so nice to see you! Please come in. How are you children? — She welcomed them into the house. The children were called Roberto and Ricardo, who were seven year old twins, Vinicius and Angela, who were six and five years old.    

— Can I talk to you, Louise? — She asked.

— Sure! Please sit down, Berta.

Tiago looked at the intruders with an angry face. Berta was their poor cousin who always came asking for help. The children were never looking well dressed; their clothes and shoes were old.

— Tiago, please give each child a piece of the chocolate cake I made yesterday. It’s in the fridge.

Tiago didn’t want to do it, but had to. He then took the children to the kitchen. When they came back after eating cake, Tiago heard Berta saying:

— Thank you, Louise. I didn’t know how I would do it without your help. Our situation is really difficult. My husband is quite sick and can’t work. We haven’t got the minimum to live.

— You don’t need to thank me, Berta. We are relatives and should always help one another. I am sure you would have done the same for me.

After they left, Tiago lifted his head full of pride:

— Our cousins were quite impressed by the sweets you prepared. I told them they were for my birthday party!

— Oh! Did you invite them for your party?

— No, of course not mom! They wouldn’t be able to give me a present! Besides, they don’t have any appropriate clothes.

Louise looked at her soon, asked him to come closer to her and said:

— You know what son, Jesus taught us when we give a party we need to invite the ones who are poor and in need; even if they can’t pay back our gesture because our Father in Heaven will reward us.

— Does that mean I can’t invite my friends? — He asked, feeling really unhappy about it.

— That’s certainly not what Jesus meant. He wanted to teach us we can invite whoever we want, but we can’t forget about the ones who are poor, sick or disabled. We should remember to especially our relatives in need. 

— Oh! Why is that? — the boy asked; feeling quite surprised.

— Well. What if we were the ones struggling? What if we were on Berta’s shoes? Would if you like her family to behave like this to us?

Tiago thought... thought... thought and then replied:

— I would be really happy if I was invited for this birthday party.

— That’s right, my son. Jesus taught us that, in case we are in doubt, we should put ourselves into the other person’s position; we will then know how to act correctly.

On the next morning, Tiago woke up and knew exactly what to do. He asked his mom before going to school:

— Mom, can we please pop into our cousins’ house after school? I think I have got a pile of clothes that would fit our cousins; I don’t mind giving them away as presents for the children. I have got so many clothes, after all!

— I am glad to hear that, Tiago. Your clothes will fit you. You are more or less the same height. We could also buy something additional to them, in case the clothes don’t fit; especially for Angela.

Tiago felt much happier and full of energy.

After lunch, Tiago and his mom separated all clothes and shoes. Tiago wanted the children to get some of his good and new pieces of clothing. They then went shopping to get the rest of the presents, such as a dress and a pair of shoes for Angela.

They soon went to Berta’s house. 

— It’s so nice to see you here, Louise. Children, we have got guests!

The children walked into the living room and saw Tiago with his mom. Since the cousin would always insult them, they felt bad to see him there. Therefore, it was different this time.

Tiago said:

— I came here to invite you for my birthday party.

Berta felt quite surprised by his attitude and replied timidly:

— Thank you, Tiago but I think it will not be possible. My children don’t have any appropriate clothes to come to your party.

Tiago grabbed the bags and said to them, euphorically:

— You do now! We brought you some clothes; I hope they suit you. Here it is: Richard, Roberto, Vinicius and Angela — Tiago gave a package for each child, as their names were written on them.

The little girl started to clap:

— You even have a package for me? Wow! That’s so good! Thank you!

Louise got another packaged and handed it to Berta:

— The children can’t come alone to the party, Berta. I brought you some clothes as well. I hope they suit you.

Berta started to cry. She then murmured:

— Louise, I don’t even know how to thank you. You have helped me so much yesterday, and now I got some presents from you! How can I ever pay you back, cousin?

— You will reward me by turning up to Tiago’s party. We will be honoured to have you there, believe us. 

On the next day, the house was full of colourful balloons. In the afternoon Tiago welcomed all his friends, classmates and cousins. Louise realised he invited even other colleagues from school.
Tiago was extremely happy; everyone could notice that. It was visible that something changed within him. He was no longer the arrogant and pride boy he used to be. He was just like any other boy, playing with every child; treating everyone equally.

                                                             
                                                                  Aunt Celia