An elderly man in California picked up the phone and called his son in New York.

“I hate to ruin your day,” he said in a tired voice, “but I have to tell you something. Your mother and I are getting divorced. Forty-five years of misery is enough.”

His son nearly dropped the phone.

“Dad, what are you talking about? You and Mom can’t get divorced!”

“We can’t stand the sight of each other anymore,” the old man continued. “We’re tired, we’re angry, and honestly, I’m sick of even talking about it. So do me a favor—call your sister in Dallas and tell her. I can’t handle another conversation.”

Then he hung up.

Panicked, the son immediately called his sister.

When she heard the news, she exploded.

“Absolutely not! They are not getting divorced. I’ll handle this.”

She called her father right away.

“You are not getting divorced,” she shouted. “Don’t sign anything, don’t pack anything, don’t even talk about it until I get there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll both be there tomorrow. Do you understand?”

Then she slammed down the phone.

The old man slowly placed the receiver down, turned to his wife, and smiled.

“Okay,” he said. “They’re coming for Christmas… and paying their own way.”