As we all get older and our careers take us far from home, it’s easy for family visits to become few and far between.
Parents, especially those living in quieter places, often find themselves missing the lively chaos of family gatherings.
Mum: How to withdraw RM364K worth in pension money
But what if there was a fun way to get everyone back together, even if it meant a little creative thinking?
That’s exactly what one inventive mum pulled off. Her son’s story, which went viral on Thread, shows just how a little bit of cleverness and humour can work wonders. It all started with a simple, but unexpected question about money.
“Earlier, mum messaged in the family group. She said, ‘Salam children, how do I withdraw my pension from the bank? If I’m not mistaken, there’s about RM364,000 in the account.’
You can imagine the reaction. In no time, her children — who were scattered across different cities — began making plans to return to the village.
Even the sibling from Perlis was on the move. The visit turned into a full-blown family potluck, with everyone bringing dishes to share. Who knew a little financial mystery could lead to such a big family feast?
Here’s the truth
After everyone had gathered and enjoyed the meal, the eldest daughter asked the million-ringgit question:
“Mum, is there still any of Dad’s money left that hasn’t been withdrawn?”
That’s when Mum dropped the bombshell.
“Oh, I wasn’t asking about my money,” she said with a sly smile.
“I was asking for the neighbour, who needed help with her late husband’s account.”
The room went silent as the siblings realised they’d been duped. The big bank balance was just a trick to get them home.
Mum wasn’t done yet. As if adding insult to injury, she quipped, “And by the way, your father’s retirement money? That’s been gone for ages!”
Laughter erupted as the initial shock faded. While her trick involved a bit of fibbing, it was all in good fun and served a greater purpose — bringing her family back together.
This story, which has gotten plenty of attention online, highlights a common feeling among elderly parents who miss their kids as they get wrapped up in their own lives.
Sometimes, a bit of creativity is all it takes to bridge the gap.
For this mom, the fake RM364,000 was just a way to remind her children of the joy of being together. In the end, the real prize wasn’t the money but the family time she managed to bring back.
